New Milford Police Lieutenant Reinstated After Investigation

NEW MILFORD, CT — Lt. Lawrence Ash was reinstated on the New Milford PD Wednesday.

Ash had been placed on administrative leave over the summer stemming from a complaint received through the department's tip line. The nature of the complaint has never been revealed.

According to a press release from Mayor Pete Bass' office, Ash was exonerated following an "outside independent review of potential violations that resulted in no finding of any wrongdoing."

In the release, Bass called Ash "an important and integral part of our police administration." The mayor also stressed that outside investigations are standard protocol for investigations on senior-level administration.

Ash has been with the New Milford PD since 1987, rising through the ranks from patrol officer to Lieutenant, serving as the department's public information officer.

"This has been a very challenging time for all of us, including Lt. Ash and his family,” Chief of Police Spencer Cerruto said in the release. “We are going to move forward in a positive manner as a team."