New Deputy Police Chief Selected In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Capt. Richard Davis has been selected to become the city’s next deputy police chief, Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim announced Wednesday.

The appointment is subject to approval by a vote of the Common Council, according to a news release.

“Captain Davis’s selection came highly recommended from an interview panel which included representation of Chief and Deputy Chiefs from East Hartford, Norwich, and New Britain,” officials wrote in a news release. “Captain Davis rose to the top of a competitive field based on the strength of his experience in law enforcement; his commitment to community, transparency, and strengthening the outstanding men and women who serve the City of Middletown as police officers.”

Middletown Police Chief Erik M. Costa said he is “extremely proud” to have Davis serve as the next deputy police chief.

“He has demonstrated professionalism over his 22-year career,” Costa said. “Captain Davis brings exceptional leadership, communication and inter-personal skills to his new role as Deputy Chief. His expertise in the department’s investigative, patrol and emergency service units will be invaluable as we continue to focus on reducing serious crime, increasing traffic safety and serving the community with excellence.”

Florsheim said he’s looking forward to working with Davis, Costa and the entire department to “keep moving policing forward in our city.”

“Captain Davis has earned the rightful trust and respect of the men and women of the Middletown Police Department over the course of his career, and as Deputy Chief I know he will earn that same trust and respect from the community at large,” Florsheim said.

Davis has been the Commander of Investigative Services Unit since the beginning of 2021 and has held that position as a lieutenant. When promoted to captain, Davis was assigned to the Patrol Division that also oversees the agencies specialized emergency service units.

“His experience extends to being a supervisor and detective in the investigative service division, that includes street crime unit, and has been the department's narcotic K9 handler,” the news release states. “He is also the commander of the marine unit/dive team, and Commander of the hostage negotiation team.”

Davis graduated from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration.

“I am truly honored to have been selected as the next Deputy Chief for the City of Middletown,” Davis said. “I would like to thank Mayor Florsheim and his team, along with Chief Costa for expressing their confidence in me, by moving me along in this process. I would also like to thank the numerous Middletown Officers who have helped me along this journey and have committed themselves to the citizens of Middletown.

“I look forward to working alongside Chief Costa as we lead our officers in carrying on our commitment to the Middletown Community. As we move forward, we will provide our officers with the tools necessary to protect the citizens of Middletown. We will also build positive relationships as we enhance our commitment to youth and community services throughout the city.

“We will carry on the mission of the Middletown Police Department by partnering with the community in efforts to enhance the quality of life through a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and excellence.”