Stamford Police Department Promotes Veteran Captain To Assistant Chief

STAMFORD, CT — The community room inside Stamford Police Headquarters was filled on Wednesday, as the department officially promoted Richard Conklin from captain to the role of assistant police chief.

In attendance Wednesday was Mayor Simmons, who administered the oath to Conklin; former Assistant Police Chief and current Director of Public Safety Louis DeRubeis; Assistant Chief Silas Redd; SPD Commissioner Timothy Shaw; past chiefs and current and former members of the SPD; and members of Conklin's family.

Conklin joined the SPD on Nov. 10, 1982, which makes him the second-longest tenured member of the department.

He started his career as a patrol officer working his way up to sergeant and supervisor of the Special Services Squad. He served as a lieutenant and commander of the Narcotics and Organized Crime unit, where he worked with federal law enforcement agencies and superved investigations and a range of threats, such as organized crime, weapons violations, gambling and drug trafficking.

Since 2001, Conklin has served as captain and commander of the SPD's Bureau of Criminal Investigations, where he investigates some of the most serious crimes that occur in Stamford, such as homicides, shootings, robberies and sexual assaults.

Conklin has received numerous commendations over the years.

Wednesday's ceremony featured several speakers.

"Through the heroic actions of Capt. Conklin, he has saved countless lives in our city," Simmons said.

Simmons noted the large American flag that was on display outside the department for the ceremony.

"I think it's just a symbol of what a true American patriot that Capt. Conklin is, and how fortunate we are to have him," she said.

DeRubeis retired from the SPD three months ago as assistant chief and was appointed the city's director of public safety, health and welfare.

"Becoming an assistant chief of police for the Stamford Police Department is a tremendous honor," he said, while offering up advice to Conklin.

"Always treat people fairly and with respect. Set extremely high standards for the people of the Stamford Police Department, and I guarantee you they will never let you down or disappoint," DeRubeis added. "As it relates to the people outside of this department, Chief Conklin, I encourage you to use this transition period to reflect on the oath you took when you first entered law enforcement so many years ago. Policing is about protecting and serving our communities. This means during good times and during bad times."

Shaw highlighted Conkln's contributions to the department, both investigatively and with mentoring other officers.

"I personally have benefited from your sound advice and expertise when it comes to critical decision making moments throughout my career," Shaw said. "His institutional knowledge is second to none. His 42 years have spanned many chiefs, but I know they all leaned on Rich for his integrity, his loyalty, his respect and his dedication to this police department."

Conklin spoke briefly after he was officially sworn-in.

"We've been through so many trials and tribulations, and so many campaigns, and still we stand strong," Conklin said. He touted Stamford's place as one of the safest cities in the state, and said there has only been one homicide recorded in the last 16 months.

In comparison to Hartford, which is smaller yet has more police officers, they've recorded 37 homicides in the past 11 months, according to Conklin.

The SPD also solves homicides at a high clip, Conklin said. Of the 21 cases recorded in the last six years, 20 have been closed successfully.

Conklin pointed to the city's positive community relationships and partnerships as reasons why Stamford is ranked high on the safest places to live list.

"We cannot rest on our laurels," Conklin added. "We've accomplished so much, but there will be many campaigns and challenges ahead for us. But there's no one I'd rather face these challenges with than with the men and women of the Stamford Police Department."