FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Mayor James R. Miron, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Announces Deputy Chief of Police

Stratford, Connecticut (June 9, 2009) – Mayor James R. Miron announced today that Patrick Ridenhour has been hired to serve as Stratford’s Deputy Chief of Police.

Starting in January, the Town of Stratford hired two consulting firms, Randi Frank Consulting, LLC out of Wallingford, Connecticut and Slavin Management Consultants out of Norcross, Georgia to help in the nationwide search for a Deputy Chief of Police.  Advertisements were placed in newspapers, including The New York Times, The Hartford Courant, The Connecticut Post, and various new media outlets for the most capable candidates.  Advertisements were also placed on the International Association of Chief of Police  (IACP) and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) websites, and in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) newsletter.

Randi Frank Consulting, LLC screened approximately 50 applicants before narrowing the pool of applicants to 9 people.  Of the 9 people chosen by the consulting firm, 8 people were called in for interviews held by Town Administrators and outside law enforcement personnel.  Of the initial 9 candidates that were called in for interviews, 4 of them were subject to a final interview with Mayor Miron and Police Chief Buturla.

“Patrick Ridenhour is a highly qualified individual with extensive experience in a supervisory role within a police department, and a proven track record of successfully managing and implementing departmental programs and procedures,” said Mayor James R. Miron.  “After conducting a comprehensive search for the best qualified candidates, I’ve concluded that in terms of past education, training and experience Patrick Ridenhour was the best person for the position of Deputy Chief of Police.”

"I am very pleased and honored that Patrick Ridenhour has accepted the offer to be the next Deputy Chief and to join the fine men and women of the Stratford Police Department”, said John Buturla, Chief of Police.  “He has a tremendous background and has been integral in his previous position as an Assistant Deputy Chief in the City of Waterbury in helping to bring down the crime rate and improving the relations with the community.  I welcome him and look forward to working with him for many years to come."

Patrick Ridenhour was a member of the Waterbury Police Department for over 20 years.  He started as a patrol officer in the Waterbury Police Department in 1988 before rising through the ranks as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain before becoming Assistant Deputy Chief of Police in February 2005. 

As the Assistant Deputy Chief of Police for Waterbury, Connecticut, Mr. Ridenhour commanded the department’s Patrol, Communications, Community Policing, and Animal Control Divisions before retiring in good standing in May 2008.

Mr. Ridenhour’s major accomplishments while a member of the Waterbury Police Department included overseeing the implementation of the department’s new management structure, improving employee attendance, implementing a truancy enforcement program, and implementing a very successful quality of life enforcement program that helped reduce crime and clean up long neglected neighborhoods in the city.

Mr. Ridenhour holds a Bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College.  He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, where he earned a Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia.

“I am very excited about coming to Stratford as the new Deputy Chief of Police”, said Patrick Ridenhour.  “I would like to thank Mayor Miron and Chief Buturla for giving me this opportunity.  I look forward to getting to know the members of the Stratford Police Department, as well as the citizens, and working together to ensure that we deliver the highest quality police service.”

Patrick Ridenhour will begin his employment with the Town effective Monday, June 22, 2009 and will be paid an annual salary of $90,000.