Hartford PD Mourns Deputy Chief Who Served More Than 2 Decades

HARTFORD, CT — The Hartford Police Department is mourning the death of Deputy Chief Jason Lee, a more than two-decade department veteran who continued working and supporting the agency while undergoing cancer treatment.

Hartford police announced Lee's death Sunday, remembering him as a respected member of the department whose career included assignments ranging from patrol and crime scene investigations to senior leadership.

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Lee graduated from the Hartford Police Academy in 2005.

During his career, he worked in Patrol, the Safe City Initiative alongside Connecticut State Police, the Southwest Conditions Unit, and the Crime Scene Division, where he served as a detective.

After his promotion to sergeant, Lee remained in the Crime Scene Division and later served there as a lieutenant.

As a lieutenant, he also served as chief of staff for then-Police Chief Jason Thody.

Lee later finished first on the department's captain promotional examination and was promoted to captain before eventually becoming deputy chief.

Most recently, Lee served as deputy chief of professional standards.

Police said he also remained involved in department initiatives, including recruitment and the agency's continued development.

The department highlighted Lee's continued service while he underwent treatment for cancer.

"Throughout treatment, Deputy Chief Lee continued coming to work and remained actively engaged in the department," Hartford police said. "Unless you knew what he was facing personally, you would never have known the fight he was going through."

Police said Lee continued contributing and supporting colleagues through his treatments and into his final days.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Lee family, and we thank them for sharing Jason with the Hartford Police Department for so many years," the department said.

Connecticut State Capitol Police also paid tribute to Lee Sunday night, saying his service left "a lasting mark on a department, a city, and the many people who had the privilege of working alongside him."

Hartford police said Lee's influence on the department would continue beyond his death.

"Deputy Chief Jason Lee leaves behind a legacy that will remain a part of the Hartford Police Department for years to come," the department said. "Rest in peace, Deputy Chief Lee. Your service will never be forgotten."