Decorated And 'Dedicated' Vernon Officer Charles Hicking Retires

VERNON, CT — It's a police tradition that, upon retiring, officers are presented with a collage that includes their badge, medals and other assorted awards and distinctions. It was the consensus among Vernon law enforcement officials that Det. Charles Hicking had the biggest plaque in recent memory, if not ever, at a recent ceremony.

Hicking, known as "Chuck" within the law enforcement community and who carried badge No. 224 in Vernon, officially retired this month after a 22-year career.

"Detective Hicking has been a tremendous asset to the police department, the town and the region over his career. He was a true professional, skilled in many aspects of police work," Vernon Police Chief John Kelley said. "His experience and knowledge will take a long time to replace and he will be missed."

Hicking served in the United States Navy and the Suffield Police Department before signing on with Vernon. His many positions included field training officer, honor guard member, police union president, accident reconstruction team member, community police officer and a member of the East Central Narcotics Task Force.

He was a detective in Vernon since 2013 and was known for, as one colleague put it, "thorough work." In his sendoff at the VPD, Hicking was credited with having "stellar investigative skills and impressive case conclusions," while being a "humanitarian" who had a "commitment to the pursuit of justice."

Hicking had been the driving force behind the local edition of the Special Olympics Torch Run for the past eight years and was instrumental in organizing other fundraisers like the Penguin Plunge, Over the Edge and Tip-a-Cop. Under his leadership, the VPD was frequently a top 10 donor to the Special Olympics.

In his career, Hicking received eight distinguished service unit medals, six meritorious service medals, multiple chief's citations and lifesaving awards. In 2009, he was the VPD's officer of the year.

He is also a past recipient of the Tolland State's Attorney Officer of the Year Award.

The next chapter of Hicking's career will let him continue the passion he has for the Special Olympics community at the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services.

Vernon officials said Hicking will be missed.

"I congratulate Detective Hicking on his retirement," Vernon town administrator and emergency management director Michael Purcaro said. "The town is grateful for his amazing legacy of public service to our community."