New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
‘A man of honor, dignity’
Colleagues laud retiring police captain, public information officer
NEW HAVEN — Capt. Anthony Duff bade farewell to the New Haven Police Department Thursday, as his colleagues lauded his service, influence and calm, upbeat manner of moving through the world, ahead of his impending retirement.
Duff, the department’s public information officer and a member of the force since 1996, announced that he was attending his last Compstat intelligence sharing meeting, as he plans to retire in the coming weeks.
He encouraged his fellow officers to apply to succeed him in working with the media and offered his thanks to his colleagues.
“I’m looking forward to retirement,” said Duff. “Thanks to everyone.”
His colleagues and members of the community offered praise on the occasion, lauding Duff ’s service over the decades.
“We’re just going to miss you, buddy. You’ve done so much here; you’ve done everything here,” said Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson. “You’ve served admirably, and we just love you to death.”
“He’s been a rock for the New Haven Police Department, and a shining star all of his career,” said Archie Generoso, former assistant chief and current statewide director of Project Longevity.
“Congratulations on your retirement, Captain. Be safe and God bless you,” said resident Daniel Hunt.
Thomasine Shaw thanked Duff for his work aiding her and her neighbors in the Hill South neighborhood.
“You’ve been responsive to us. We appreciate all that you’ve done for us, because you’ve helped a community where everyone does not have access to internet; everyone does not read the New Haven Register. You’re sending that information to Hill South, and then they’re able to spread the information among the members of the management team . ... (It’s) been extremely helpful,” said Shaw. “Thanks again for being considerate of us. Love you dearly; you have a good retirement.”
Evelise Riberio, the newly-elected chairman of the police commission, said she had been working with
Duff for more than 15 years, describing the opportunity as an “honor and privilege.”
“I could not leave this meeting without giving my congratulations to Captain Duff. This is congratulations and best wishes personally, as well as on behalf of the Board of Police Commissioners,” said Riberio. “(Duff) is a man of honor, dignity. He’s always been fair; he’s a man of God. He is a family man. He is a man who is in the community and he will be truly, truly missed . ... We wish you nothing but love and Godspeed in your next endeavor.”
Duff was named the department’s public information officer in January 2019. In his years on the force, he also served as district manager for the Dixwell neighborhood, a field training officer and oversaw the internal affairs division and departmental records.
He was wounded in August 2019 while intervening in a shooting near Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street. Off-duty at the time, he was shot in three places and hospitalized after being treated by four officers who are credited for helping save his life, recovering to resume his work with the department.
Acting Chief Renee Dominguez noted she and Jacobson had just become assistant chiefs when Duff was wounded, describing his efforts as “heroic” and a credit to the profession.
Before that, she said, he had been her supervisor when she walked a beat.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you upset, or sad, or not smiling, or not positive. No matter, literally, what is thrown at you or what you’re dealing with, personally, professionally, no one knows because you’re just such a positive individual.
You bring that positivity wherever you go,” said Dominguez. “The community absolutely loves you; the Police Department loves you even more, if that’s possible — because you’re just loved by all.”