Recently Retired Enfield Police Officer Tom Pyrcz Dies

ENFIELD, CT — Tom Pyrcz, a lifetime Enfield resident who recently retired after devoting more than half a century to serving his hometown with the police department, died suddenly Wednesday morning. He was 66.

According to police officials, Pyrcz collapsed inside the public safety complex and was rushed to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he was pronounced dead.

Pyrcz assumed many roles since first donning an Enfield Police Explorer uniform in 1969. After graduating from Enrico Fermi High School, he became an auxiliary officer and assistant dog warden in 1972. He became a dispatcher in 1973 before being sworn in as a patrol officer in 1979.

For the past 20 years, Pyrcz had been a valued member of the Enfield Police Department Accreditation Team, being appointed accreditation manager in 2007. In that role, he spearheaded the department's mission of achieving, and then maintaining, accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). He was named vice president of the Connecticut Police Accreditation Coalition in 2013.

After retiring in late August, Pyrcz took a few weeks off, then returned to the police department on Oct. 13 in the newly-created position of civilian accreditation manager.

"In this position, Tom performed some of the same responsibilities he so loved as a police officer, spearheading all the CALEA responsibilities for the Enfield Police Department," according to an email sent to town staff by human resources director Steve Bielenda early Wednesday afternoon.

Pyrcz turned 66 on Oct. 21. He is survived by his wife Lynn, son Steven and daughter Julie.

Past and present members of the police department expressed shock and dismay concerning the sudden passing of their longtime colleague.

Police Chief Alaric Fox said, "Officer Tom Pyrcz served the town of Enfield for a period of 50 years, beginning his service as an Enfield Police Department Explorer in 1969, and most recently, serving as the department's civilian accreditation manager. His dedication to the town of Enfield generally, and to ensuring the professionalism of the Enfield Police Department through the accreditation process in particular, was second to none. We will remember Tom as a consummate professional, a role model police officer, and a true son of the town of Enfield."

"I am absolutely devastated right now," retired Chief Carl Sferrazza said. "I am numb on so many levels. Tom and I were friends since I was about 15 years old. He had an amazing run with the town. He wasn't a giant of large stature, but all officers should be like Tommy Pyrcz, with compassion and the ability to talk to people. Being accreditation manager is a very responsible position, but no one was more loyal or hard-working than Tommy. Nothing mattered more to him than his wife and kids, but right behind that was his love of public service."

Detective Lt. Willie Pedemonti first met Pyrcz by riding with him as a police explorer in 1982.

"I had the privilege of working with him full time for the last 33 years," Pedemonti said. "He did his job and did it well, and was a very likable man. We had many conversations, both professionally and personally, and he took the job of accreditation manager very seriously. He was well organized, knew what needed to be done and was always on task. He was just an awesome guy."

Retired Lt. Pat Droney said, "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Tommy's death. He was without a doubt one of the nicest people I've ever had the privilege to know. His service to the town of Enfield and the Enfield Police Department is legendary. He was the heart and soul of the department's CALEA accreditation process, and the program was near and dear to him. He would always say "good to see ya" every time he would see you. Just a devastating loss for the EPD family. I'm stunned. My wife Roz and I, as well as our daughters, send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Lynn, Steven and Julie."

"I had the honor and privilege to serve with Officer Thomas (Tommy) Pyrcz throughout my entire career as an officer with the Enfield Police Department, from 1988 to 2015," West Stafford Fire Department Chief Joe Lorenzetti said. "Tom’s last duty assignment was as the Accreditation Manager for the department, and as such I interacted with Tom in that role regularly during my tenure as Department Training Officer. Tom and I were railroad enthusiasts and had, when we were in the right districts, the opportunity to watch the busy Hartford Line trains as activity and patrol demands allowed. Tom was an all-around, first class guy, a great cop, husband, dad and friend. I will miss you brother."

"Very devastating news on the sudden passing of such a well liked, well respected, and highly dedicated town employee," Mayor Mike Ludwick said. "Tom spent the majority of his life dedicated to serving the residents of the town of Enfield. He surely will be missed by all. I want to personally wish his family and his friends some peace in their time of deep sorrow. A very, very sad day in the town of Enfield."

Former Mayor Scott Kaupin said, "The professional conduct and policing standards of the Enfield Police Department are a result of the accreditation process that Officer Tom Pyrcz managed for the department over many years. Tom's attention to detail, extensive knowledge, professionalism and determination to make the Enfield Police Department one of the best departments in the country was his quest and now is his legacy. I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife Lynn and his children Steven and Julie. Enfield is a much better place because of Tom Pyrcz's many contributions, and we grieve over his passing."

To register for free Enfield news alerts and more, click here.