New interim police head hails from Groton City

EAST HAMPTON — A retired police chief has agreed to serve as interim chief as the town begins its search for a new full-time leader of the department.

Town Manager Michael Maniscalco announced Thursday he had hired former Groton City Chief Thomas Davoren to serve in the interim capacity.

In announcing Davoren’s appointment, Maniscalco said he brings “a wealth of knowledge and experience” to the position.

The timing of his appointment is critical: It means there will be an almost seamless transition as Chief Sean D. Cox takes leave of the post Friday.

Davoren will begin serving initially as director of police services Christmas Day, Maniscalco said. He will have to be recertified to meet Police Officers Standards and Training before he will become interim chief.

In the meantime, Cox will use up two weeks of accrued vacation time before he begins a new job in the private sector working in the defense industry. Cox has been chief for the past five years.

Earlier this week, Maniscalco posted a timeline for replacing Cox. The manager hopes to have the new full-time chief in place by April 2.

Davoren served five years as police chief of Groton City, the 6.7-square mile subdivision of the town of Groton, and which is home most notably to the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics.

Prior to that, Davoren had served for more than 25 years on the Connecticut State Police, retiring as a colonel, according to a story in The Day upon his appointment as Groton City chief.

Maniscalco said Davoren “brings hands-on policing experience” that included assignments as varied as canine handler to serving on the State Police Major Crimes Unit and Business and Strategic Resources Division.

“I am confident that Director Davoren will guide our community through our many upcoming projects, including the planning stages of our new police department,” which will be part of an $18 million municipal complex, Maniscalco said.

In addition, Maniscalco said Davoren’s expertise will be critical in dealing with “much-needed radio upgrades” as well as the upcoming creation of the 2018-19 municipal budget.

“His experience will benefit our community as we continue on the path toward effective and efficient community policing in the 21st century,” Maniscalco said.

“I was looking for someone to get thus through the scenarios we face,” meaning the budget, the radio upgrades and the preparations for the new headquarters, the town manager said.

Maniscalco said he was interested in finding someone to serve as interim chief “who was not interested” in pursuing the job full-time.

He said Davoren had given him that assurance.