The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Esserman leaving Quinnipiac University post
HAMDEN» Former New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman said Wednesday he’s exploring options after confirming his contract with Quinnipiac University will expire this week.
Esserman served as a senior professional-in-residence for emergency management planning at Quinnipiac starting last fall, helping review the school’s emergency response planning. Esserman said his job was to assist in updating the schools emergency management plan, which he said was already in good shape thanks to an “excellent team in place” at the university. He confirmed his contract with the school will expire June 2.
A next step hasn’t been formalized yet, as Esserman said he is exploring possibilities for his next career move. Quinnipiac was a “wonderful” place to work, Esserman said, adding the assignment was a “great opportunity” to contribute to the university which he said, like other expanding schools around the country, must work to address concerns over its emergency planning and constantly review its plans.
“It was a short-term assignment and I walk away hoping I helped contribute to the work,” Esserman said. “It was a wonderful place to work.”
Esserman was hired by Quinnipiac in September. That month, he resigned as chief following a lengthy period away from the position, which included an administrative leave following an incident at a New Haven restaurant. Esserman had served as chief since 2011 after being appointed by former Mayor John DeStefano Jr. Esserman was re-appointed by Mayor Toni Harp in February 2014.
After his resignation, Esserman was replaced by now-Interim Police Chief Anthony Campbell, who this week received a favorable recommendation by a Board of Alders panel to assure he will formally succeed Esserman as the city’s next police chief. Esserman spoke highly of Campbell, who he said is deserving of the praise he receives. Campbell has likewise spoken in high regard of Esserman, who promoted Campbell to assistant chief, and thanked him for leaving the department in good standing.
“When Dean Esserman left the department, he left us on good footing,” Campbell said Tuesday during a Board of Alders hearing.
Quinnipiac Uinversity assistant director of public relations John Pettit did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.