Drew Picks McKenna as Police Chief

Mayor Dan Drew announced today his intention to nominate for Middletown chief of police, ending a nearly three-year gap in official department leadership.

"Acting is a man of integrity who has ably led the department with a sense of fairness," Drew announced in a press release. "In the four months in which I have served as mayor, I have been impressed by Acting Chief McKenna’s ability to handle problems large and small."

Drew said he's most impressed with McKenna's leadership. "It is my fervent belief that Acting Chief McKenna possesses the ability to inspire and lead his officers forward."

Middletown hasn't had a permanent police chief since the city's first female head Lynn M. Baldoni retired in July 2009, after serving the city for 26 years. Then was appointed by former Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano as acting chief.

On Feb. 23, , citing the results of an internal affairs report that found numerous police rule violations and incidents of misconduct.

On Oct. 19, McKenna was promoted to Acting Police Chief after serving as deputy chief for six months.

Last March, McKenna, then commander of Investigative Services, filled in for McMahon when he took a six-week leave of absence to attend the . Then Acting Deputy Chief Gregory Sneed retired April 12 to take a job as associate director of public safety at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Drew will formally nominate McKenna Thursday at 11 a.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall. His choice must be confirmed by the Common Council.