Middletown Police Chief Kewer is leaving his post. A familiar face will replace him.

MIDDLETOWN – Following an executive session Town Council meeting on Tuesday the town announced retired Police Chief Anthony Pesare, who currently acts as an assistant solicitor and prosecuting attorney for Middletown, will return to his old job starting Monday, Feb. 13.

Police Chief William Kewer informed the town late last month he would not renew his contract after four years on the job.

Kewer explained his decision-making process to the town, saying, “The department was just re-certified by (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) and that was a major step for us.” He continued, “We accomplished a lot in my time and that’s all because of the men and women who work here…I feel it’s a perfect time for me personally to pursue new opportunities and leave the department when it’s in a really good place.”

After being informed of Kewer’s decision to depart at the expiration of his current contract, a conversation between Pesare and the town shed light on mutual interest in having Pesare return to the post. Pesare retired at the end of 2018 after a 38-year career in law enforcement, the last 18 as the head of Middletown Police.

“There are a couple absolutely vital positions in town that we have to get right and the police chief is one of them,” Town Administrator Shawn Brown said in a press release. “The council leadership has directed me and my staff to find the right person to be the next chief of the Middletown Police Department, not the first person, but we happen to have both right here with Chief Pesare.”

“Tony remains very involved with the town and the Police Department through his solicitor’s work,” Brown expounded. “Everyone knows the department is in very capable hands and there will be no loss of service or experience under Tony’s leadership. We appreciate everything Bill has done for us and the department and also look forward to having Tony back. It’s an important day for Middletown Police, both looking to our past and our future.”

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Council President Paul Rodrigues said, “Bill has been invaluable to the department and the people of Middletown. He guided us through a particularly tough stretch with COVID and I think he was always a source of strength for our town. When the Chief spoke, everyone listened because he not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. I’m going to miss him and we have very big shoes to fill.”

Kewer was first appointed police chief in February 2019. Before that, he was a member of the Connecticut State Police, where he served as a resident state trooper, a K-9 officer and deputy director of the state’s intelligence center before retiring as the department’s second in command.

According to the press release, Kewer cited speeding and motor vehicle violations as top law enforcement issue in town when he took the job.  “I’m really proud of what we accomplished here,” Kewer told the town. “I think back to one day, last October around Halloween when we had an outreach event here at the police station…there were literally hundreds of kids here, having a good time, smiling and interacting with us and our fire department. That’s what it’s all about as a police officer, becoming part of the community.”

Middletown public affairs officer Matt Sheley told The Daily News:

“The decision to bring back Chief Pesare was a strategic move by the town, Town Council and leadership team. Chief Pesare is uniquely suited to step into the role of police chief here in Middletown. He knows the men and women on the force and has been working with them closely…furthermore, Chief Pesare is very much a part of the community, knows its residents and businesspeople and was interested in continuing to move the department forward and expanding its role here in Middletown.”

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Middletown Police Chief William Kewer leaving, Pesare to return