Stamford Committee Votes To Reject Police Chief Choice

STAMFORD, CT — Representatives on the city's Appointments Committee voted Tuesday to recommend the Board of Representatives reject Mayor David Martin's choice for the city's next police chief, the Stamford Advocate reported. The full board will vote on the decision Monday night.

Martin attended part of the meeting to ask committee members for their unbiased consideration of Chris Murtha. The department where Murtha has worked for 20 years is currently the subject of a civil suit, which names Murtha among other commanders.

See also: New Police Chief Selected For Stamford

Murtha, 53, currently serves as the Deputy Chief for Maryland's Prince George's County. According to a press release announcing Martin's choice, Murtha's "credentialed resume, strong relations with community leaders and consistent professionalism throughout the hiring process" were cited as reasons he was considered an ideal candidate to lead the department.

If chosen, Murtha will succeed Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau, a 38-year veteran who served as chief for seven years and announced his retirement in January. Fontneau, the city's 15th police chief, received the Distinguished Chief Award in 2015 from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut.

Read the full Stamford Advocate story here.