New Canton Police Captain, Officer Sworn In This Week

Police officer David Rodriguez enjoyed his five years in Southbury but was excited when he saw a job opening in Canton. 

The town is much closer to his home, an advantage for his wife and three daughters. 

"It's a better fit overall for me and my family," he said. 

He also received favorable feedback about the Canton Police Department, Rodriguez said. 

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "They're a great bunch of guys. 

Town Clerk Linda Smith officially swore in Rodriguez, along with Capt. Lawrence Terra, this week. A small ceremony was held at the department Tuesday afternoon with family, town officials, local officers and several of Terra's former colleagues from the state police. 

Terra was recently named as the department's second in command. Although the title and job description are somewhat different, he replaces Deputy Chief Donald Hull, who in February retired from Canton and took the chief of police job in Stowe, VT. 

Terra recently retired from his lieutenant's position with the State Police, and was a resident trooper in East Granby and Norfolk as well as a Bloomfield patrol officer. He is also an attorney. 

"There's a great bunch of guys here," Terra said. "I'm just happy to be part of the team." 

Both men also have experience with the armed services. Terra was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1985 until he was honorably discharged in 1993.

Rodriguez is a member of Connecticut Army National Guard C Company 1-102 Infantry and has served in Afghanistan.