Borough Wants to Keep Police Chief

NAUGATUCK – It appears the borough’s ‘top cop’ will remain in his position for at least a few more years.

Mayor Bob Mezzo announced last month that the borough and Naugatuck Police Chief Christopher Edson are discussing terms of a new contract and that a deal is close to completion.

“I expect to have a deal and hope to get an agreement in place to keep Chief Edson here for many years at September’s meeting,” Mezzo said.

Edson, a 29-year law enforcement professional, has been the borough’s police chief since June 2007. He was recently awarded a distinguished chief award from the Police Commissioner’s Association of Connecticut for his dedication to duty, the Naugatuck Police Department and the citizens of the borough.

In an information pamphlet from the ceremony, the association states: "Edson has distinguished himself as an innovator, a motivator and a community leader. Chief Edson led his department to Tier III State Accreditation, instituted the formation of a state-of-the-art digital forensics laboratory, and is currently overseeing the installation of Naugatuck Dispatch Center to include a major upgrade of the department’s radio system. ...Chief Edson has served on various boards and commissions, both professional and community focused.”

It also states that Edson holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and is a married father of five.

As chief, Edson earns a salary of about $90,000 a year. It is unclear what he would be paid if a new contract is accepted by the Board of Mayor and Burgesses, or borough board. His contract officially expired on June 30, but the borough board has extended it through the end of September so a new contract can be negotiated.

Edson confirmed to Naugatuck Patch that he and Mezzo had discussed terms of a new contrac. Edson would not discuss those terms as negotiations are ongoing. He said he expects a new contract will be ready for a vote of the borough board at September’s meeting.

“I enjoy working for the borough, and I think the department has accomplished much since I’ve been here,” he said. “Hopefully, the borough and I can come to terms of a new contract.”