It's Davoren

Governor Rell Announces Key Promotions,
New Appointments at Department of Public Safety

New State Police Commander
and New Lt. Colonel for Internal Affairs
Named As Part of Changes

NEXT BIG APPOINTMENT: COMMISSIONER

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced a series of key promotions and appointments at the Department of Public Safety. Major Thomas Davoren, 50, of Bolton , a decorated, 22-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police will be promoted to Colonel and will assume command of the Division of State Police from Colonel Edward J. Lynch who retired on December 31, 2006.

Governor Rell also named Lieutenant Colonel Robert Duffy, 45, of South Windsor to the new position of Lieutenant Colonel for Internal Affairs. In addition, Governor Rell announced two other key changes:

· Major Peter Terenzi, 48, of Deep River will be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel for Field Operations; and
· Lieutenant David Rice, 40, of Bethlehem will be named to oversee the Division of Scientific Services, which includes the State Police Forensic Laboratory.

“The Connecticut Department of Public Safety is the oldest and finest law enforcement organization in the country and I have full confidence that this outstanding leadership team will help make it even better,” Governor Rell said. “The agency is meeting the challenge to make important changes and these key appointments will help bring them about.”

The appointments are effective immediately with the exception of Terenzi, who is succeeding Lieutenant Colonel Vincent E. McSweeney who will retire later this month.

The changes at Public Safety follow a report issued last month regarding the review of the Connecticut State Police Internal Affairs unit conducted by members of the New York State Police. That review uncovered serious lapses in procedure and uneven treatment of personnel. The report included a series of recommendations for improving the operation of the Internal Affairs unit.

Last month, Governor Rell announced the formation of an eight-member special commission to oversee the implementation of additional reforms. Former State Representative Robert Farr of West Hartford chairs that commission.

The Department of Public Safety includes the Division of State Police, the Division of Fire, Emergency and Building Services, the Division of Scientific Services, which conducts forensic investigations, and, until January 1, the Division of Homeland Security. The Connecticut State Police department was founded in 1903.