Beloved Stratford Police Officer Dies, Mourned By Community

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Police Department and beyond is mourning the death of Police Officer Ken Kubel.

The department announced Kubel’s death in a post on social media on Wednesday night.

“Tonight we mourn the loss of an exceptional Officer, Friend, Father, and Husband,” reads a post on the department’s Facebook page. “Officer Kubel was an outstanding member of our department and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Please keep the Kubel Family in your heart and in your thoughts.”

No information was provided on Kubel’s cause of death.

News12 Connecticut reports Kubel suffered a sudden medical emergency.

Kubel, 56, served with the Bridgeport Police Department for 25 years from 1990-2015; retiring with the rank of sergeant.

Kubel then continued his police career by serving another nine years as a patrol officer with the Stratford Police Department from 2015-2024.

“Officer Kubel will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the Stratford Police Department said in a news release on Thursday. “Officer Kubel was a person of great character and stature, and his loyalty, passion for helping others, and unwavering dedication inspired everyone around him.

“His absence creates a significant void in our community and in our hearts.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the extended Kubel family and friends.”

Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick said the town "comes together today to mourn the loss of Ken Kubel, a tremendously wonderful Police Officer, friend, father, and husband."

“Officer Kubel embodied the core values of the Stratford CT Police Department, with his integrity and commitment to the safety of our community and his fellow officers," Hoydick wrote in a post on Facebook. "We hold Officer Kubel and his family and friends in our prayers. May his memory be a blessing to us all.”

Tributes to Kubel have poured in from local police departments.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a former Bridgeport police officer,” the Bridgeport Police Department wrote in a post on Facebook. “Sergeant Kubel, a beloved member of our department, will always be remembered for his compassion and dedication. All Bridgeport police officers pray and stand with the Kubel family during this difficult time. Sgt. Kubel will forever be in our hearts.”

The Fairfield Police Department wrote on Facebook, “It is with heavy hearts that we join the Stratford CT Police Department in mourning the sudden loss of Officer Kenneth Kubel. Officer Kubel was a valued member of the Stratford Police Department, our law enforcement partners just a couple towns away. His presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Please keep the Kubel family and the men and women of the Stratford Police Department, as well as his former colleagues at the Bridgeport Police Department, in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

The Shelton Police Department wrote on Facebook, “In solidarity with our brothers and sisters of Stratford PD, every Shelton police officer stands with the Kubel family during this heartbreaking time.

“Officer Kubel was not just a dedicated police officer; he was a beloved father, brother, son, uncle, and friend. His commitment to serving and protecting the community will never be forgotten.

“May God bless you and your family, sir. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.”