Hartford Names Interim Police Chief

Press release from the City of Hartford:

HARTFORD, CT — The city has a new leader heading up the Hartford Police Department, with officials announcing the appointment of an interim chief last week.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said last week he has appointed Hartford Assistant Police Chief Kenny Howell to be acting chief of police.

Howell succeeds former Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody, who in March announced his intention to step down.

Howell will now serve as acting chief while the city continues its search for a permanent replacement.

Howell began his law enforcement career in 1991 as a police recruit with the New Haven Police Department.

After serving in law enforcement for just under 22 years, Howell was hired as chief of the Millbury, Mass., police department, where he served for approximately three years.

“I’m grateful to Mayor Arulampalam for the opportunity to serve under his administration and carry on the work HPD has been doing to serve the people of Hartford,” said Howell. “I look forward to working with the mayor and HPD to hit the ground running and continue to deliver the crucial services our residents need as acting chief of police.”

Thoday said he's been honored to work in Hartford.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve my city as chief of police,” said Thody. “I began my career in Hartford as a police cadet in 1996 and rose through the ranks until my appointment as chief in 2020.

"For the past four years, it has been a privilege to serve our residents and the City of Hartford, and I’m fortunate to have played a role in shaping the future of our department.”

The mayor thanked Thody for his service.

“I am grateful for chief Thody’s dedication to HPD and for his work helping the city during this time of transition,” said Arulampalam. “My administration is working closely with HPD and assistant chief Howell to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to solicit community input on public safety priorities”

Howell was sworn in as a member of the Hartford Police Department on Dec. 21, 2020.

This press release was produced by the City of Hartford.