Malloy Taps City Man to Lead Emergency Management, Homeland Security

William P. Shea of Middletown has been appointed to serve as deputy commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, where he will be responsible for directing the department’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. 

The division is responsible for disaster and crisis response and the coordination of the state’s emergency planning and counter-terrorism efforts.

“One of our highest priorities is to ensure the safety of Connecticut residents and to protect our state. But when disaster does strike, we need to be able to orchestrate a quick and safe response,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. 

“The position that Colonel Shea has agreed to fill is one of the most crucial in state government — one that requires durable leadership and a strong ability to coordinate the state’s efforts before, during and after an emergency. I look forward to working with Colonel Shea as we strengthen our state’s emergency response and management efforts.”

Shea is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has more than 32 years of experience in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard with considerable command, managerial and operational support experience across diverse roles and levels of authority.

He serves in the Connecticut Army National Guard as a State Army Aviation Officer, where he manages and supervises Connecticut’s Army aviation units’ standardization, maintenance and safety programs. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Connecticut Army National Guard and as Commander of the 1109th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot.

“I am honored to have been selected for the position of Deputy Commissioner of DESPP,” Shea said. “I look forward to continuing my service to the state and nation as a member of the DESPP team working closely with Governor Malloy and Commissioner Bradford.” 

DESPP Commissioner Reuben Bradford said, “I welcome Colonel Shea to the DESPP Executive Team and look forward to his leadership and oversight of the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  The colonel brings a tremendous skill set and broad range of experience and training that will be a valuable asset to our department.”

Shea will fill the position previously held by Peter Boynton, who resigned last fall. The position has been filled on an interim basis by State Emergency Management Director William Hackett.