Retirement of Acting Chief of Police Timothy F. Wydra
Hamden – Today, Mayor Garrett acknowledges the retirement of Acting Chief of Police Timothy F. Wydra and celebrates his service spanning 30 years to the Town of Hamden.
On May 5th, 2022, Mayor Garrett appointed Acting Chief Wydra to the position of Deputy Chief, and on May 17th, 2022, he was appointed as the Acting Chief of Police. The beginning of Acting Chief Wydra’s tenure leading the Hamden Police Department was intrinsically connected to a devastating loss for our community, the tragic murder of 15-year-old Elijah Gomez on May 9th, 2022. Acting Chief Wydra led with compassion, determination, and a sense of responsibility to protect our community, and within a month, an arrest was made.
Acting Chief Wydra has been accessible and responsive to our community during his tenure as Acting Chief of Police. His focus on community policing has improved the way we approach law enforcement in Hamden. By nurturing meaningful connections, building relationships, and ensuring open lines of communication, Acting Chief Wydra has made Hamden safer and strengthened the bonds within our community.
Under Acting Chief Wydra’s leadership, the Hamden Police Department achieved significant milestones. Thirty-one officers were welcomed into our ranks and our police force now stands as the most representative of the community of any town in our region. This historic accomplishment would not have been possible without his leadership.
Acting Chief Wydra has worked collaboratively across departments and consistently championed responsible management of resources and inclusivity within our police force. His collaborative, team-oriented approach, coupled with his emphasis on evidence-based, data-driven policing strategies, aligns with our vision for a safer, more connected Hamden.
Acting Chief Wydra’s last day will be on October 15, 2023. An announcement for the next Chief will be made tomorrow October 3, 2023 with an official start date of October 16, 2023.
Mayor Garrett is deeply grateful for Acting Chief Wydra’s years of dedicated service. His legacy will be felt in the safer streets, stronger community ties, and more efficient, effective police force he leaves behind.
For further information, please contact Deputy Chief of Staff, Alexa M. Panayotakis, at (203) 287-7100 or by email at apanayotakis@hamden.com.