Photo by Eugene Driscoll
Interim Chief Andy Cota shakes hands with Mayor David Cassetti Friday.
Andy Cota III was sworn-in Friday as Ansonia’s interim police chief. He is replacing Chief Kevin Hale, who retired after 18 years as the city’s top cop.
Cota’s from Derby, where his father was chief for 13 years (and is still very involved in the city). The elder Cota was among his son’s family on hand to watch Mayor David Cassetti conduct the swearing-in.
Photo by Eugene Driscoll
Chief Cota and his family.
Then the proud father offered a few words for his son — and a roomful of police officers — on how to be successful in law enforcement.
“We live by one rule,” Cota said. “When you’re a police officer, you do one thing. Number one rule — you treat everybody in your community like you’re their family.”
Photo by Eugene Driscoll
Cota’s father, Andy, puts the badge on the chief.
Cota, 48, grew up in Derby. He moved in Ansonia in 1993. He and his wife, Denyse, have two sons, Andrew Cota IV, 24, and Daniel, 21.
He’s been on the job in Ansonia for about 27 years. He was promoted to sergeant in 1995, and lieutenant in 2001. He attended a leadership training course at the FBI Academy in 2010. Click here for a Valley Indy Q&A published from that time period.
“He has been an asset to the department and to the residents of Ansonia. His professionalism and dedication is clearly evident.” Mayor Cassetti said Friday. “He is very well prepared for his new role and I look forward to our continued strong relationship with Andy and the department.”
Cota takes the reins at an important time for the department. The officers and staffers are getting a new headquarters, at former Farrel’s property across from the Maple Street bridge in downtown Ansonia.
Photo by Eugene Driscoll
Interim Chief Andy Cota.
After being sworn-in as interim chief, Cota immediately thanked Hale for his dedication and leadership in Ansonia. Friday was Hale’s last day. Click here for a podcast interview Hale did with The Valley Indy.
He also noted Lt. Wayne Williams’ 29 years of service in Ansonia.
Cota then thanked for the mayor and the members of the Ansonia Board of Police Commissioners for their support.
“I will do my job to the best of my ability at all times, with all consideration for the community,” Cota said.
Cota also thanked his family for their support.
“I’m honored,” he said, looking toward his family.
Photo by Eugene Driscoll
Members of the Ansonia Police Department.
Cota’s title in interim or acting chief because a permanent replacement has yet to be named by the police commissioners and the Aldermen. He’s the presumed front runner for the job because of his experience as an officer and administrator in Ansonia. The job pays about $115,000.
“I promise you I’m going to do the best I can for this police department. We’ll continue to work together as a team to make Ansonia a safe place to live and a safe place for our officers to work in,” he said.
