Man Found Dead In Cemetery ID'd As Retired Newtown Police Officer

NAUGATUCK, CT — A man found dead in a Naugatuck cemetery late Monday afternoon has been identified as a retired Newtown police sergeant.

In an email to Patch, Newtown Police Lt. Scott Smith said the department had been informed the man was identified as John Cole, a retired officer who served the Newtown Police Department for 25 years.

Smith said Cole, a 60-year-old Naugatuck resident, had been retired for approximately 10 years.

Naugatuck police also confirmed Cole's identity Tuesday in an email to Patch and noted there does not appear to be any criminal aspect to the death.

Officers are investigating if Cole suffered a medical issue that led to his death, police said.

Cole was found unresponsive at Holy Savior Polish National Cemetery, located on New Haven Road, Monday around 4 p.m., according to police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Naugatuck Police Department at 203-729-5221.

In a Facebook post, Newtown police said Cole joined the department's patrol division in 1989, where he served as a patrol officer, temporary detective and was assigned to the Statewide Narcotics Task Force.

Cole was promoted to sergeant in 1999 and appointed to detective sergeant in 2006. He retired from service in 2014.

Affectionately known within the department as "Johnny" or "JC," he is remembered fondly by those who served with him.

"[Cole] was well-regarded as a caring and supportive supervisor and will be sincerely missed," police said on Facebook. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him."