New Enfield police chief takes oath of office

March 15, 2018 | G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

Town Clerk Suzanne Olechnicki administered the oath of office to Alaric Fox. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs

ENFIELD, CT – Alaric Fox, former commander of the Connecticut State Police, took the oath of office on March 12 as the new chief of the Enfield Police Department.

Town manager Bryan Chodkowski called Fox’s appointment “a historic event.” He described finding a replacement for retiring long-time Chief Carl Sferrazza as a “difficult process.”

Chodkowski said, however that Fox was a “strong candidate” with “a wide array of experience in the community.”

Fox began his career with the Willimantic Police Department in 1994, which was followed with a stint with the FBI. He then joined the Connecticut State Police where he rose through the ranks to appointed commander in 2016. An attorney, he also practiced law in Hartford.

Fellow officers, friends and family members filled the Town Council meeting room for the swearing in ceremony.

Sferrazza noted that he and Fox had a conversation two to three years ago during which he discussed a desire to become chief. Sferrazza said Fox has used the phrase, “people first, mission always” to describe his approach to law enforcement.

Sferrazza admitted the day was an emotional one for him, but said, “It’s good for me to know he will always be there for you.”

Fox spoke after his wife Lynn pinned on his new badge and his children Amanda and Ryan presented him with his new hat.

In an address, Fox thanked a long list of people who have helped him in his lengthy career in law enforcement.

“This is not a time to celebrate my accomplishments, but an opportunity to thank all of you,’ he said.

Speaking to the officers in his department he said, “Please know I don’t wear this uniform lightly."