New Police Chief Selected In Middletown

Middletown CT

23 August, 2021

9:12 PM

Description

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Erik Costa has been selected to become the city's next police chief, Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim announced Monday. Costa's appointment is subject to approval by a vote of the Common Council, according to a news release. "Erik's selection came highly recommended from an interview panel which included representation from both law enforcement and public safety personnel and from the broader community," officials wrote in a news release. "He rose to the top of a competitive field based on the strength of his experience in law enforcement; his commitment to communication, transparency, and community engagement; and his recognition that MPD's existing strengths and its future potential are both rooted in the outstanding men and women who serve the City of Middletown as police officers." Costa, a former state police lieutenant, is currently the director of campus safety at Mitchell College in New London, the Middletown Press reported. His nomination comes more than a year after former Police Chief William McKenna retired. McKenna announced his retirement in June 2020 after more than 25 years with the force, including the last eight years as chief. "As a newcomer to the position of Mayor in 2019, I was tremendously fortunate to inherit a Police Department that has come to be regarded as one of the premier law enforcement agencies in Connecticut under the leadership of Chief Bill McKenna and Deputy Chief Mike Timbro," Florsheim said in the news release. "As a newcomer to the position of Chief of Police, Erik will benefit from and build upon that same legacy with a new level of energy and enthusiasm. His vision for public safety is one that I believe will bring people together at a time when police-community relations are of critical importance, and he will continue to invest in the people of the department and the city at large in positive, exciting ways." Costa said he was "honored" to be selected as the city's next chief. "I would like to thank Mayor Florsheim, his team and members of the community that took part in this process," Costa said. "I am grateful for the confidence they have expressed in me. I look forward to working with the police officers and staff at the Middletown Police Department, where our goals and values will align with the community, being dedicated to service. I want the City of Middletown to know that they have some of the best law-enforcement professionals in the State of Connecticut. As we evolve with our community, we will look for the best tools for our officers to connect and provide a positive impact on our community. I believe that moving forward the Middletown Police Department will continue to create a culture of ethics, integrity and respect for all to be proud of." Councilmen Darnell Ford and Philip Pessina served on the interview panel for the search for a new chief. Ford serves as chair of the Public Safety Commission and Pessina serves as Council Minority Leader and is a member of the commission. Pessina also retired from the Middletown Police Department as Deputy Chief in 2006. "As members of the Public Safety Commission, we welcome Erik Costa to Middletown as our next Chief of Police," they said in a joint statement. "Middletown has gained a leader in public safety who will embrace and enforce initiatives that will produce positive outcomes against racial disparities and discrimination for our youth and marginalized communities, as well as for the public at large. Erik's selection states loud and clear that we'll continue to listen and act in the best interest of safety for Middletown citizens, and the Commission is looking forward to working with Chief Costa to ensure all voices are heard on matters of public safety. We encourage Middletown residence to take the opportunity to attend Commission meetings to meet and welcome the Chief as we continue to bring Middletown forward for the benefit of our city residents."