Enfield extends police chief's contract to run through retirement

Susan Danseyar, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·3 min read

Mar. 22—ENFIELD — Now that the Town Council has extended his contract for seven more years, Police Chief Alaric Fox will end his long law enforcement career in Enfield, after years of service that were lauded by officials this week.

The Town Council on Monday declared Fox's previous contract with the town null and void and approved a new one that runs until March 20, 2030, when he plans to retire.

"I challenge anyone to find a chief in any Connecticut municipality with more experience, education, or credibility than Enfield's own Chief Alaric Fox," Assistant Town Manager Steve Bielenda said. "Despite the chief's storied career, it's the town of Enfield whose insignia he wants to figuratively wear on his cap."

The chief, who was accompanied at the meeting by his wife, Lynne, and Capt. Steven Kaselouskas, requested the new contract to run until his anticipated retirement.

He began his career in 1983 as an officer with the Willimantic Police Department before going to work for the FBI in 1990. He later became a practicing attorney and spent 24 years with the state police, where he earned the rank of colonel and handled several horrific events, including the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

In March 2018, Fox took over as leader of Enfield's police department after former Chief Carl Sferrazza retired.

Town Council members all praised Fox for his dedication to the community, saying they feel safer just knowing he's in town and heading the police department.

"We're voicing our continued support for your leadership over the last five years and now we're here to vote you through the end of your career," said Mayor Bob Cressotti. "You have been nothing but stellar since being here in Enfield."

Cressotti said Fox came to the town at a difficult time with the number of retirements in the police department and mandates officers are facing.

"We now have a young staff of young men and women, and you're doing an outstanding job of leading this group to become veteran officers," he said.

Council member Ken Nelson pointed out that Fox did not ask for a raise but will be earning the same salary of $147,441.

"We think this is a thankless job and are happy to hear you chose to retire in this community," he said to Fox. "With your experience, you could go anywhere. Thank you on behalf of myself and the taxpayers."

The agenda item on Monday happened to follow a lengthy conversation about the proposed All Sports Village.

"We're on a sports theme for the evening," Fox said. "I'm not claiming that I may be a Hall of Fame caliber chief but, to the extent that the Hall works, all players at the end of their careers have to decide what cap they want to wear when they go into it."

Fox said it has been an honor to be in the field of law enforcement for 40 years and to serve the residents of Enfield.

"I would like to finish my career wearing this cap," he said.

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