New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Hamden police chief to retire
HAMDEN — After nearly three decades with the department and two years as Hamden’s police chief, John Sullivan is retiring.
He submitted his retirement letter to the town Monday morning, Mayor Lauren Garrett confirmed. The retirement is effective May 16.
Sullivan did not return multiple requests for comment Monday.
He became acting chief in July 2020 following the departure of his predecessor, John Cappiello. In
December 2020, then Mayor Curt Balzano Leng appointed Sullivan for the job in a permanent capacity.
“I thank Chief Sullivan for his 25 years of service to the town,” Garrett said in a statement. “I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Tim Wydra, whom Garrett recently tapped as deputy chief, described Sullivan’s departure as a “tremendous loss” for the agency.
“The last two years it’s not easy being a police officer — certainly not a chief — and he has always done a very good job,” he said, adding that Sullivan has always hardworking and talented.
Sullivan joined the force about two years after Wydra did, and the two were partners on a community policing unit in the 1990s, Wydra said.
When appointed, Sullivan was hailed as a leader who could further the department’s community policing initiatives. It was under Sullivan’s watch that the department launched an initiative through the U.S. Department of Justice, Strengthening Police & Community
Partnerships.
Those familiar with the Hamden born-and-raised chief affectionately refer to him as “Sully.”
Sullivan has led the department at a time when it has struggled with staffing levels. A police commissioner recently told the New Haven Register the department is down about 15 officers.
His retirement follows several clashes with the police commission.
In February, the board requested a number of department records including personnel files for
all active-duty officers. Some commissioners complained during an April meeting about the delay in receiving records.
The issue escalated last week when news hit that the department in March sought and received state permission to destroy two years worth of unsubstantiated internal affairs investigations.
Asked who would take over in Sullivan's stead, Garrett says she intends to have Wydra serve as acting chief. The Legislative Council approved his appointment as deputy chief Monday evening.