Wayne Williams (photo from Facebook)
ANSONIA — A veteran city police officer could become the next chief of the Ansonia Police Department.
Lt. Wayne Williams, a 32-year veteran with the Ansonia Police Department, was named acting chief by the police commission last August, after Andrew Cota retired.
At the Feb. 8 meeting of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen, the majority of the board authorized Mayor David Cassetti, corporation counsel John Marini and chief financial officer Kurt Miller to negotiate an employment contract with Williams.
In Ansonia, the Aldermen have the power to approve contracts. However, the appointment of a police chief falls under the jurisdiction of the Ansonia Board of Police Commissioners.
The police commission is scheduled to review William’s contract in executive session during a meeting scheduled on Zoom for 6:45 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 17). Executive sessions are closed to the public, but any action — such as votes — are required by law to happen in public.
“The police commission is expected to appoint Acting Chief Wayne Williams as chief,” Marini told The Valley Indy on Wednesday.
Williams, reached by email Wednesday, said he and the city are working on a deal.
“I can tell you that I am in contract negotiations with the city in regard to the Chief’s position as part of the selection process,” Williams said. “A final contract and appointment have not been completed but are in the process.”
Mayor Cassetti on Wednesday reiterated his support for Williams.
“I have known Wayne since he was a patrolman,” Cassetti said. “He has worked his way up through the ranks, and it’s time. He’s an excellent administrator. He has the respect of the officers, and it’s only right that he takes the job as chief. I’m 100 percent behind him.”
Williams said he’d be honored to be named chief.
“I just had my 32-year anniversary Monday as an Ansonia Police officer,” Williams said. “I have held most of the positions at the police department and have learned a lot about policing and people over those three decades. I have found the community to be very supportive of my officers because they have a deep caring for this community and profession. While some of the faces and names of our personnel have changed over the years, it has been my honor to work for and with them. I can think of no greater achievement than to have the opportunity to lead the officers and staff at the Ansonia Police Department along with working with the residents of this City to make it a safer environment.”
The new employment contract will become a public document once approved.
