VIDEO: Larrabee Named New East Haven Police Chief

The following is a press release from the East Haven Mayor's Office.

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. announced today that, following a seven-month, nationwide search for a police chief, he will be appointing Interim Chief Brent Larrabee as permanent Chief of Police in East Haven.

Maturo explained, “The Town was fortunate to have five finalist candidates for the position of chief, all of whom exhibited the professionalism and drive to lead our department forward. However, in addition to these qualities, Brent Larrabee demonstrated a clear vision of the steps that must be taken, moving forward, to make our police department one of the best in the nation.”

The search for a permanent police chief began in June of 2012 when the Town of East Haven engaged Strategic Policy Partnership, LLC to conduct a nationwide search for candidates. After aggressive advertisement of the position, the Town of East Haven received 82 applications from candidates across the nation.

Maturo continued, “The Town exercised due diligence in posting the position and took clear steps, including placing ads in minority news outlets, to attract candidates from all walks of life. The Town’s receipt of 82 applications showed that there was a large degree of interest in the position.”

Throughout the process, the Town worked with the Department of Justice to ensure that the interview process was fair, transparent, and thorough. 

Maturo explained, “All of the DOJ’s recommendations regarding citizen input and timing were incorporated into the final process. It is reassuring to know that the Town’s interviewing process was reviewed by the DOJ, as it lends another degree of validation to the process.” 

Larrabee was sworn in by Mayor Maturo as interim chief on February 13, 2012, amidst the turmoil of the DOJ’s civil rights investigation. 

Since that time, he has worked with Mayor Maturo to form the Town’s first faith-based council, has helped re-institute the DARE program, and has oversaw critical technology and policy upgrades throughout the department. 

Maturo explained, “Just three short months after taking office, I appointed Interim Chief and, since that time, he has brought much-needed stability and leadership to our Department. His history of policing experience has enabled him to work through the challenges of the past year and lead our department and our community in a positive direction.”

In addressing his eventual selection of Larrabee, Maturo explained, “It is reassuring that the interim chief ended up being the final selection.  Brent Larrabee was tested, questioned, and vetted along with the other 81 candidates.  The rigorous interview process confirmed that we have had, and will continue to have, a chief who has the vision, experience, and compassion to lead our department for years to come.”

Chief Larrabee will be sworn into office in a ceremony to be held at later date to be determined.  The ceremony will be open to the public. 

Maturo concluded, “I encourage residents to attend the swearing-in ceremony and to join me in celebrating a new chapter for both our Police Department and our community.”