Hamden Police Chief Named To State Agency

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

HAMDEN, CT – Hamden’s Chief of Police Thomas J. Wydra has been named to the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, the state agency that oversees police training. Wydra, Hamden’s police chief for the past decade, was appointed to the council by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on June 28. He fills a vacant seat on the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

Commenting on his appointment, Wydra said, “I am honored to be appointed by the Governor to the Police Officers Standards and Training Council. I will do my best to contribute in a meaningful way to the work of the board, which includes the vital areas of police training and certification standards and are among the best in the nation.”

Also commenting on Wydra’s appointment, Mayor Curt Leng expressed his sentiments; “Chief Wydra’s many years of experience and deeply personal connection to effective, fair, and just law enforcement standards exemplify his qualifications for this position.

“Chief Wydra has served as a shining example of the effectiveness of 21st Century law enforcement techniques and policies, and his impact as the leader of Hamden’s law enforcement personnel is unparalleled. He will serve as an excellent addition to the POST Council and I wish him the greatest success in his new role,” Leng said.

The POST Council is tasked with overseeing police training and setting the standards departments must meet to gain accreditation. Council members are also responsible for adopting and enforcing professional standards for certification of police officers.

“Since taking over the reins as Hamden’s top cop, Chief Wydra has a proven track record of successfully integrating police officers into the community,” said state Rep. Mike D’Agostino of Hamden.

“His multi-disciplinary approach to law enforcement has allowed the department to avail itself to new technology and conduct de-escalation, conflict resolution and community mediation training for its police officers,” D’Agostino added.