1 officer demoted, another suspended by chief, police commission

HAMDEN — Two Hamden police officers were recently disciplined after settlements were reached with Police Chief Thomas Wydra and approved by the Police Commission and union UPSSEU/COPS Local 062.

Officer Michael Cirillo, charged with assaulting a North Haven man after leaving his post while on duty, was demoted from sergeant, had his name removed from the list of those eligible for a promotion to lieutenant, and agreed to complete an anger management program, according to a last chance/ settlement agreement received through a Freedom of Information request.

Officer Timothy McKeon was suspended for 30 days after an internal investigation revealed that, between 2009 and August 2017, he “made a minimum of five purchases of illegal steroids” and “was associated with an individual who he knew to be selling illegal steroids for several years and failed to report the ... criminal activity,” according to his settlement agreement, also received through a FOI request.

McKeon also assented to submit to unlimited drug testing, “based on reasonable suspicion or on a random basis,” for 60 days following the July 23 agreement.

Cirillo said on Friday he ultimately understands the decision, but feels he did not have to be demoted.

He said he has an exemplary record, serving more than 20 years with the department and could have continued to serve as an effective supervisor.

The incident in question — Cirillo accosted Vincent Terrone, 38, in North Haven in December, prompting a charge of third-degree assault — was “a colossal mistake that effectively ended (his) career,” but was “very unusual and out of character,” he said.

He said Terrone had threatened his wife, who, in turn, called him, crying hysterically. He reacted, went to North Haven, and grabbed Terrone by the shirt, who dropped to the ground, he said.

He disputed the severity of the altercation — he said he did not place Terrone in a headlock, as indicated in a North Haven police report. The incident was a brief lapse in judgment, he said.

“This was a horribly poor decision for me to go over there,” said Cirillo. “I briefly just kind of lost it.”

Cirillo entered into accelerated rehabilitation, a judicial program for those deemed unlikely to commit further offenses, in April.

If he successfully completes the requirements that come with the program, which include the anger management class, the charges will be dropped.

People at the police department had welcomed him back after the demotion, easing the situation, he said.

McKeon referred the chance to comment to his attorney, John “Chip” Walsh, who said it was appropriate to move forward with the agreement, given the negotiations and factors at play, and close this chapter for the department and his client.

Walsh said McKeon’s history as a police officer should not be summed up in this single incident — he loves the job and is an asset to the community, he said.

“You need to judge an officer, not on one incident ... You need to judge an officer on the body of work,” said McKeon. “He’s the kind of cop you want on the streets.”

McKeon is the second Hamden police officer to be linked to steroids in recent months.

Bryan Kelly, 46, of East Haven, pleaded guilty in May to possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 and is scheduled to be sentenced in September.

Michael Iezzi, chairman of the police commission, said on Friday that both agreements were reached between Wydra and the officers in question, which pre-empted the need for further consideration by the group.

“It’s sad that these situations occurred, but we addressed them in the best interest of the town, in the best interest of the community,” Iezzi said.

Wydra said the agreements took into account the entirety of the matters at hand in a statement Friday.