Former Hartford police chief was an Army veteran

The Hartford Police Department said Monday that retired Chief Ronald Loranger has died. He was 83.

Loranger was chief from 1989 until his retirement in 1993, Hartford Police Assistant Chief Kenny Howell said in a statement.

“I truly believe the men and women of this department represent the best law enforcement has to offer,” Loranger, then 53, wrote in a two-page letter that was read at roll calls when he retired in 1993. “While there will be always some, with various motives, who will publicly disparage law enforcement, the vast majority of our community recognize and are thankful for your efforts on their behalf.”

Loranger was a Bulkeley High School graduate and a U.S. Army veteran, according to Howell.

“The thoughts, prayers and condolences of the entire Hartford Police Department are with the Loranger family during this time of grief,” Howell said in the statement.

Loranger’s obituary said he was a Westbrook resident.

“Anyone who knew Ron will surely have heard stories about his younger days, especially vacationing in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and the best lobster and clam cakes in the world!,” the obituary said.

“Ronald joined the Hartford Police Department in 1964 as a patrolman, rising through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, major, assistant chief, culminating with the honor of serving as the city’s 16th Chief of Police in June 1989.

Upon his retirement in 1993, Ron adopted Westbrook as his new home, where he loved his beautiful house, traveling, dining, telling stories and enjoying family and friends,” the obituary said.

“He especially enjoyed hanging out with his Westbrook friends at the Elks, The Deck and Bills and playing a mean game of rummy! Ronald will be remembered as a kind and generous soul and will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched. Ron – stay loose!”

Loranger was predeceased by his wife Deborah, and his sister Judith, the obituary said. He leaves his daughter Susan and husband John, son Stephen and wife Katarzyna, Deborah’s daughter Madeleine, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, it said.

A service will be held in the funeral home at 10 a.m. Wednesday.