New top cop comes from Glastonbury

EAST HAMPTON — A 30-year veteran police officer has been hired as the town’s new police chief.

Capt. Dennis Woessner, of the Glastonbury Police Department, will assume command of the East Hampton Police Department on April 23. His selection as chief was announced this week by Town Manager Michael Maniscalco.

As captain, Woessner was the second in command of the 58member Glastonbury department. In East Hampton, he will succeed Chief Sean D. Cox, who led the department for five years before retiring in December.

Thomas Davoren, the former Groton City police chief, has served as interim chief since Cox’s departure.

Woessner, Glastonbury’s police officer of the year in 2001, was chosen from among 35 applicants for the position.

“I’m very pleased that Capt. Woessner has agreed to join us as our new chief,” Maniscalco said Thursday. “He brings a wealth of knowledge with him that can only help as we continue down the road toward making our department the best police department in the state.”

Maniscalco said he was pleased with both the number and quality of applicants.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the countless volunteers and town staff who work so diligently and effectively to help our community find its next chief of police,” Maniscalco said as he announced Woessner’s appointment.

Woessner and his wife enjoy horses and attending NASCAR races, he said.

“I am expecting to swear him into office and welcome him to the town at the Town Council meeting on April 24,” Maniscalco said. A reception to introduce Woessner to the community will be held following the ceremony.

In addition to his responsibilities in Glastonbury, Woessner also serves as the team commander of the Capitol Region Emergency Services Team, the regional tactical unit comprising both tactical-team members (35 in all) and 14 negotiators.

One of the largest such teams in the state, CREST covers 10 central Connecticut cities and towns and is responsible for executing high-risk search warrants, dealing with barricaded and/or suicidal people and the protection of dignitaries, Maniscalco said.

Woessner earned both a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice management from the University of New Haven. He also attended the FBI National Academy. He has continued his education by attending “numerous law enforcement courses during his career,” Maniscalco said.

Those courses include “executive and mid-management courses for police executives at Roger Williams University and firstline supervisory at Babson College.”

In addition, Woessner has also taken numerous courses dealing with interview and interrogation, crime scene management and the investigation of sexual assaults, Maniscalco said.

Woessner