HARTFORD, Conn. — On Wednesday, the Hartford city mayor appointed the Hartford Police Department's assistant chief to become acting chief of police.
Asst. Chief Kenny Howell will serve as acting chief as the city searches for someone to take on the role permanently.
“My administration is working closely with HPD and Assistant Chief Howell to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to solicit community input on public safety priorities," Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said in a statement.
Howell started his career as a police recruit with the New Haven Police Department in 1991. He also served as the chief of police in Millbury, Mass. for three years. Howell was sworn in to serve for the Hartford Police Department on Dec. 21, 2020. As assistant chief, Howell oversees the four bureaus: Patrol Operations, Administrative Services, Professional Standards and Investigative Services.
“I’m grateful to Mayor Arulampalam for the opportunity to serve under his administration and carry on the work HPD has been doing to serve the people of Hartford,” said Howell. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and HPD to hit the ground running and continue to deliver the crucial services our residents need as Acting Chief of Police.”
Chief Jason Thody announced in March he was stepping down. He said it was a privilege and "the honor of a lifetime" to serve as chief of police in Hartford. Arulampalam said he was thankful for "Thody’s dedication to HPD and for his work helping the city during this time of transition." Thody served as chief of the Hartford Police Department since 2020.
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