Assistant Chief Medina Appointed As Police Chief Of Wethersfield

Published on November 10, 2021

City Of Hartford Leaders Congratulate Assistant Chief Medina On His Appointment As Police Chief Of Wethersfield

HARTFORD, CONN (November 10, 2021) – Today, Mayor Bronin, Chief Thody, and Council President Rosado congratulated Assistant Chief Rafael Medina on his appointment as the new Chief of Police for the Town of Wethersfield.  Chief Medina was sworn in as Assistant Chief of Police in Hartford on April 2, 2018. During his time with the Hartford Police Department, he oversaw four bureaus and 13 divisions. 

“We have been fortunate to have Chief Medina as a senior member of the Hartford Police Department’s command staff, and I’m grateful for his steady leadership and service to our city,” said Mayor Bronin. “I want to thank him for all that he has done for our department and for our community, and I wish him all the best in this important new role as Chief of the Wethersfield Police Department – where he will remain a partner in building a stronger, safer region.”   

“It has been a pleasure working with and getting to know Assistant Chief Medina.  We have worked closely for these last three years, and I am thankful for his dedication to the city and Department” said Hartford Chief of Police Jason Thody. “He has brought fresh ideas and helped to improve so many aspects of operations.  He has made a profound impact on this department and has done great work making this city a safer place to live, and we’re excited to see what he accomplishes as a Chief of Police.”

“Assistant Chief Rafael Medina is more than a dedicated public servant and respected colleague, he is a friend,” said Council President Maly D. Rosado. “It’s bittersweet to see him take on this new role, but I am confident that he will make an excellent Police Chief for the Town of Wethersfield. On behalf of the entire City Council, I want to thank him for his many years of service to Hartford’s residents.”

“I wish to extend the City of Hartford my sincerest thanks and appreciation for granting me the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Chief of Police. While it has been very challenging at times, it has also been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. Working alongside the men and women of the Hartford Police Department, the Command Staff, City officials, and the community at large has been a pleasure, and together, we have worked toward enhancing public safety, diminishing crime, and forging stronger relationships,” said Assistant Chief Medina. “I’m very excited to embark on the next chapter of my professional life, but I know that I will miss all the members of the Hartford Police Department. The dedication, bravery, selflessness, and compassion that our officers have demonstrated during my time here have been nothing less than exemplary. I will always be proud to say that I was a Hartford Police Officer, and I wish you all the very best.”

Following his departure from the Hartford Police Department later this month, Assistant Chief Medina’s responsibilities will be fulfilled on an interim basis by Assistant Chief Kenny Howell.

Assistant Chief Medina began his law enforcement career in 1996, graduating from the CT Police Academy before joining the Southern Connecticut State University Police Department. He then became a member of the CT State Police in 1997 and served for 22 years before retiring in 2018 and joining the Hartford Police Department.

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