Health & Fitness
Police Chief to Rotary: Community Stakeholders More Important Than Ever
The police chief talks about the future of the Middletown Police force.
With an unexpected and refreshing sense of humor that one may not expect from the leader of the city’s police department, Chief William “Bill” McKenna addressed the Middletown Rotary Club members at their weekly luncheon meeting at First & Last Tavern.
Three words that come to mind to sum up his remarks: Pride, Honor, and Integrity.
“One thing I want to let all groups I speak to know is that I am so honored to be the chief,” he told the club members. Changing the culture of the Middletown Police Department was a goal of his. McKenna says with confidence that the Middletown Police officers consist of great men and women.
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At the same time, just as he is to be “accountable,” he expects no less of his staff. Furthermore McKenna added, “I am seeking input from the public more than ever and feel that the stakeholders in the community should be involved more, and be more aware of our department’s direction. I feel that this will assist in gaining the backing and support from our citizens as we move forward with our new, young Police administration.”
McKenna also discussed security in the Middletown school system. Although there was a safety committee in place prior to the Sandy Hook tragedy, the Police Department has been very proactive to increase the protocols including having an officer at each school at drop-off and pick-up as well as two officers that rotate visits throughout the day visiting each school (public and private) in Middletown (excluding Vinyl Technical as they are under the jurisdiction of the State Police).
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By the conclusion of his presentation, it was clear that McKenna is a leader in our community and within the police department.
Chief McKenna is a Middletown native and a proud graduate of Xavier High School. After receiving his business degree from Western Connecticut State University, he was hired in 1995 by the Middletown Police Department.
The Middletown Rotary maintains its membership from those who live and/or work in Middletown as well as the surrounding towns of Cromwell, Portland, Durham, Middlefield and Higganum. For more information on becoming a member of the Middletown Rotary Club visit www.middletownrotary.org or contact gmullaney@adelbrook.org.
