Hartford's police chief plans to retire.
Chief James Rovella sent a letter, dated Sept. 19, to Mayor Luke Bronin, and announced he will be retiring and will not seek reappointment after his contract expires in February 2018.
Rovella, a 59-year-old Hartford native, spent two decades as a beat officer and homicide detective before retiring to work as chief inspector for the office of the chief state's attorney.
He returned to city employment in 2012, when he was appointed interim chief following the retirement of Darryl Roberts. He was named permanent chief in August 2012.
“Chief Rovella has been a dedicated public servant for nearly forty years, including twenty-six years in service to the City of Hartford, and he has been an outstanding Chief of Police. The Hartford Police Department has built strong relationships throughout our community thanks to Chief Rovella’s commitment to engagement, honesty, and transparency. I am grateful beyond measure for his deep commitment to Hartford, and for his and his family’s sacrifices over many decades,” Bronin said in a statement. “We are a stronger city because of Chief Rovella’s leadership. Chief Rovella and I have been preparing for a smooth succession for many months, and we will continue to work closely together as we move closer to a transition.”
Rovella’s letter said the decision to retire was not an easy one.
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve with the most dedicated sworn and non-sworn colleagues. I am and always will be humbled by their dedication to the City,” Rovella wrote.
