On February 15th, 2019 Chief Kevin Hale retired from the Ansonia Police Department after a long, successful career.
One of the last decisions he made was to recommend, as his replacement, Lieutenant Andrew Cota III. Chief Hale made this recommendation to the Board of Police Commissioners. At that time, the Board of Police Commissioners accepted that recommendation and named, on an Interim basis, Andrew Cota III as Chief of Police for the Ansonia Police Department.
Simultaneously, the Board stated that a search committee would be formed to find a permanent successor to Chief Hale. Here we stand in mid-September, some seven months later, and a permanent Chief has yet to be named.
The Board has developed criteria for applicants for the position and held testing. Soon, the Board will hold their final interviews.
We, the sworn officers of the Ansonia Police Department, members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 913, would also like to show our support and endorse Andrew Cota III as the next Chief of the Ansonia Police Department.
Andrew Cota III has been a sworn member of this department since September 19th, 1991. In that time, Andrew Cota III has risen in the ranks from Patrolman to Sergeant to Lieutenant and accumulated numerous accolades along the way. His next logical step is to become Chief.
In the short time that Andrew Cota III has been Chief, FOP members have seen a rise in morale. FOP members recognize that Chief Cota has kept the lines of communication open for not only his officers, but for the community as a whole.
As a longtime city resident, Chief Cota has, first and foremost, the City of Ansonia in his best interest. Decisions made at the police department will not only affect the officers he commands, the residents of the city that he is sworn to protect, but also his family.
FOP members recognize that Chief Cota has a vision for this department and how it serves and protects the citizens of Ansonia. Chief Cota is a firm believer in Community Policing and most importantly stresses on a daily basis that the citizens we encounter must be treated with Fairness and Respect.
FOP members believe in naming Chief Cota as permanent Chief of Police would allow for future promotion(s) from within the rank and file. As promotions from within occur, vacancies are also created, allowing members to rise in the ranks themselves.
FOP members believe that a choice of anyone other than Chief Cota to lead this department could potentially disrupt the positive changes Chief Cota has brought to fruition, and negatively impact the Police Department as a whole
Thank You,
Executive Board and Ansonia Police Union Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 913
President, Sergeant Vinnie Orlando
Vice President, Officer Jon Edwards
Secretary, Sergeant Eric Sturges
Treasurer, Officer Brendon Nelson
2nd Vice President, Officer Michael Sterling
