Hamden Police - News Release
DATE: 05/16/22
CONTACT: Sean J. Dolan – Public Information Officer
PHONE: 203-230-4065
PIO #: 22-046
Chief of Police John Sullivan retires from Hamden Police Department after nearly three decades of police service, Chief of Police John Sullivan is retiring today from the Hamden Police Department. “Sully”, as he is commonly known around town, enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the Hamden Police Department. Chief Sullivan joined the police department in 1995 and was appointed to the position of Acting Chief of Police in July 2020 and later to Chief of Police in January 2021.
He previously held the ranks of Deputy Chief of Police, Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective and Patrol Officer. He served in numerous divisions throughout his career including Patrol, Community Police, Street Crime, FBI Task Force, Statewide Narcotics, Special Response Team (SRT), Detective Bureau, Youth Division, Ethics & Integrity, Traffic and the Administration Division.
Chief Sullivan was a dedicated police officer who always demonstrated a deep commitment to the Hamden community. He utilized a team approach with his command staff to help keep residents safe and enhance public safety. Under Chief Sullivan’s leadership, the Department specifically focused on crime prevention and reduction through community engagement and proactive policing.
Chief Sullivan launched numerous community-policing initiatives during his tenure, including the Neighborhood Initiative Unit, Crime Deterrent Unit, Intelligence Unit and the Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships program. He was a true professional and an exceptional leader for the Hamden Police Department.
Chief Sullivan commented on his retirement, “It has been an honor to serve the Town of Hamden over the past 27 years, especially for the past 2 years as Chief of Police. I want to thank my family, friends, and all of the many supportive community members. I am looking forward to retirement and spending more time with my family and friends.
Sullivan continued, “I would like to acknowledge and thank the men and women of the Hamden Police Department for their continued hard work, dedication and professionalism. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you.”
