Recipients of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation/ Southern Police Institute AOC New England Scholarship

Spring 2023

Pictured Left:

Lieutenant James Buyak, Wethersfield (CT) Police Department 


Pictured Right:

Deputy Chief Doug Glode, Willimantic (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 149th Administrative Officers Course


 

Pictured Middle:

Recipient of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation/Southern Police Institute Diversity Scholarship

Fall 2022

Lieutenant Michael Connolly, Wethersfield (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 148th Administrative Officers Course

Captain
Greg Smith, Monroe (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 148th Administrative Officers Course

Spring 2022

Pictured Left:

Captain Matt Butkiewicz,
New Britain (CT) Police Department


Pictured Right:

Lieutenant Jason Lee, Hartford (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 147th Administrative Officers Course

2021 Recipients

Fall 

Pictured Left:

Lieutenant Timothy J. Mosley, Washoe (NV) County Sheriff's Office 


Pictured Right:

Captain Matthew Marino, New Britain (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 146th Administrative Officers Course

 

Spring 

Pictured Left:

Assistant Chief Rafael Medina III, Hartford (CT) Police Department 


Pictured Right:

Lieutenant Michael Durkee, Cheshire (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 145th Administrative Officers Course


 

Pictured Middle:

Recipient of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation/Southern Police Institute Diversity Scholarship

2020 Recipients

Sergeant Derek Leab

East Windsor (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 144th Administrative Officers Course

Sergeant Derek Leab has been employed by the East Windsor, Connecticut, Police Department for nine years where he has served in the Patrol Division. In 2016, Sgt. Leab was promoted and was assigned as the midnight shift supervisor where he has served since that time. In addition to his supervising duties, Sgt. Leab serves as the department's Accreditation Manager, Instructor in radar/lidar traffic enforcement, Public Information Officer, K9 Unit Supervisor, Meritorious Conduct Award Coordinator and Quartermaster.

Sgt. Leab holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University and a M.S. in Public Administration from Westfield State University. He has attended numerous leadership and professional training courses to include training with FBI LEEDA and has received the FBI LEEDA TRILOGY Leadership Award. Sgt. Leab is a graduate of the 144th Session of the Administrative Officers Course (AOC) and intends to work towards a second M.S. with the University of Louisville's Criminal Justice program.

Sgt. Leab is a graduate of the second AOC session conducted by SPI during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The "AOC experience" has been a different one but still important to him this semester: "I am honored to have attended Southern Police Institute's 144th Administrative Officers Course and am very grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation Scholarship. Without the financial aid of the scholarship, I would not have been able to attend due to fiscal constraints of my department. The leadership skills and evidence-based policing practices I have learned will allow me to be a more effective and efficient leader in my agency. My AOC experience was unique and challenging having to deal with the current atmosphere around law enforcement and the COVID-19 pandemic, and it undoubtedly has made me a stronger person and leader. Law enforcement needs leadership more now than ever, and I am extremely grateful to the scholarship committee panel which gave me the opportunity to enhance my skills to benefit my police department and community."

Interim Captain Meaghan Paré

Haverhill (MA) Police Department

Course Attended: 144th Administrative Officers Course

 

Interim Captain Meaghan J. Paré has been employed by the Haverhill (MA) Police Department for 16 years. Before joining the Haverhill Police Department, she worked for the Essex County Sherriff's Department as a corrections officer. Captain Paré started her career with the Haverhill Police Department as a patrolman. She was transferred to the Street Crimes Unit early in her career and then into investigations as a Narcotics Detective, where she spent several years. She then moved into the Criminal Investigation Division, working as the early night Detective. In 2014, Captain Paré was promoted to Sergeant becoming the first permanent female Sergeant for the Haverhill Police Department. As a Sergeant, she supervised the Street Crimes Unit and Narcotics Unit. In 2016 she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant again becoming the department’s first female in this position, spending two years as the Officer-in-Charge of the midnight shift before taking over the Gang Task Force and then moving into the Criminal Investigation Division as Detective Lieutenant. In 2020, she was appointed Interim Captain overseeing Emergency Management for the department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interim Captain Paré served proudly as a member of the Haverhill Police Department’s Honor Guard for twelve years and was a member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) for several years.   

Interim Captain Paré holds a B.S. in Public Management from Plymouth State University, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2000. She was inducted in the university’s Hall of Fame for Swimming in 2011. Paré obtained her Master's in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007. Interim Captain Paré has attended numerous professional training courses throughout her career, including Police Executive Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute.

Interim Captain Paré is tremendously grateful and honored to be a recipient of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation/Southern Police Institute AOC New England Scholarship for the 144th AOC. She advises, “This scholarship helped me pursue professional training that will assist me in my career goals that otherwise may not have been possible. This training will assist me in my career development and benefit the people I supervise as the knowledge and skills I have obtained will be imparted to them. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly created challenges, but I arrived with high hopes for the AOC, and the program surpassed my expectations. Throughout the course, I had the opportunity to interact with intelligent, talented people that I have learned immensely from. SPI’s staff and professors have provided me with an experience that has strengthened my ability to lead. I have grown academically, professionally, and personally, and no question attending the AOC has made me a better leader.”

Captain Scott C. Richards

Peabody (MA) Police Department

Course Attended: 143rd Administrative Officers Course

 Captain Scott C. Richards has been employed by the Peabody Police Department in Massachusetts for 21 years.  Before joining the Peabody Police Department, Captain Richards worked for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department as a corrections officer and the Groveland Massachusetts Police Department as a patrolman.  Captain Richards started his career with the Peabody Police Department as a patrolman and was quickly transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he spent several years assigned to the Narcotics Unit.  In 2007 Captain Richards was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  He remained in CID as the supervisor of the Narcotics Unit until his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in 2010.  At that time, Captain Richards was assigned as the Watch Commander of the Third Watch in the Patrol Division.  In 2015 Richards was promoted to the rank of Captain.  He was assigned as the Commander of the Special Services Division overseeing the Traffic Division, K9 Unit, Motor Unit, Mountain Bike Unit, and ATV Unit.  Captain Richard’s area of responsibility also includes the Records Division, the Training-Accreditation Division, Professional Standards, the facility, the department fleet, and planning and coordinating all special events in the city, including the 2017 USGA Senior Open which was attended by thousands and televised worldwide.

Captain Richards holds a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England University. He has also attended and received certifications from numerous law enforcement leadership programs such as the Massachusetts Police Leadership Institute (MPI), FBI LEEDS New England Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, Command Training Series: Executive Development Course at Roger Williams University, Fitchburg State University’s Next Generation Leadership Summit, FBI LEEDA (Trilogy Award Recipient), Police Chief and Command Leadership Academy hosted by Endicott College, and the Southern Police Institutes Chief Executive Leadership Course.     

Captain Richards is also a proud graduate of SPI’s 143rd Session of the Administrators Officers Course where he received the Dr. William Walsh’s Director’s Award for Academic Excellence for achieving the highest GPA in the class.  He is presently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Louisville.

“I cannot say enough about my experience attending SPI’s 143rd AOC.  I met such incredible, smart, and talented people, and I learned a great deal from all of them.  I arrived in Louisville with high expectations for the AOC, and the program far exceeded those expectations.  I experienced tremendous growth academically, professionally, and personally, and there is no doubt attending the AOC has made me a better leader, and more importantly, a better person.  I am honored and humbled to have been a recipient of the J. Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation Scholarship.  If it weren’t for the scholarship, I likely would have been unable to attend the 143rd AOC, and I would have missed one of the greatest experiences of my life.  Thank you to my classmates, instructors, SPI staff, and the J. Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation for making my experience at the AOC one that I will never forget.” 

Captain Nicholas Sherwood

Meriden (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 143rd Administrative Officers Course

 Captain Nicholas D. Sherwood is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the Connecticut Air National Guard, having served as a Non-Commissioned Officer and Security Forces Specialist.  He began his law enforcement service with the Hartford Police Department in Connecticut where he spent three years in the Patrol Division before transferring to the Meriden Police Department.  Since joining the Meriden Police Department, Captain Sherwood has served in the Patrol Division, as a Field Training Officer, a police instructor, on the Department's SWAT Team, as a Patrol Supervisor, as the Training Unit Supervisor, the Commander of the Neighborhood Initiative Unit (Community Police Program), Coordinator of the Citizen Police Academy, and currently is assigned as the Commander of the Support Services Division.  Captain Sherwood has also served as the Department's Acting Deputy Chief of Police.  

Captain Sherwood holds an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Middlesex Community College, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Post University.  Furthermore, Captain Sherwood is a proud graduate of the Southern Police Institute's 79th Command Officers Development Course and the 143rd Administrative Officers Course (graduate level) where he served as the class president.  Captain Sherwood is now looking into several options for him to complete a Master's Degree.  

Captain Sherwood is extremely grateful for the opportunities he has been given throughout his career, which include receiving the J. Allen Lamb and Edward Pocock scholarship award.  Captain Sherwood stated, "Receiving this award provided me a tremendous opportunity to attend one of the most coveted police executive leadership schools in the country.  The experience, education, and leadership skills I learned from the Southern Police Institute's 143rd Administrative Officers Course has made me a better person and leader.  I am forever grateful for the J. Allen Lamb and Edward Pocock Scholarship Award provided to me by Ed Poccok and the scholarship committee panel."  

Lieutenant John Mennone

Meriden (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 143rd Administrative Officers Course

 Lieutenant John Mennone has served in law enforcement since May 8th, 2000, when he joined the Meriden (CT) Police Department.  Since joining the Meriden Police Department, he has served the agency in several capacities including the following: patrol officer, field training officer, police instructor, SWAT Operator, SWAT Team Leader, SWAT Commander, DEA Task Force Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Neighborhood Initiative Supervisor and Internal Affairs’ Sergeant.

Lieutenant Mennone is currently the Commanding Officer of the Internal Affairs Unit.  His responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assigning internal affairs cases, coordination of back ground investigations of new employees, investigating internal affairs cases and public information liaison.  He also serves as the department as Body Worn Camera Administrator, which consists of all system maintenance and FOI requests. 

Lieutenant Mennone serves as the department’s use of force expert and is a certified instructor in all facets of use of force. He has recently received training with FBI LEEDA and has received the FBI LEEDA TRILOGY Leadership Award. 

Lieutenant Mennone is a recent graduate of the Southern Police Institutes 143rd Administrative Officers Course. He will continue his education with Post University.  Of his experience at SPI, he states: “The opportunity to attend Southern Police Institute would not be possible if it were not for the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation. An opportunity to attend such a prestigious program without this foundation would have been extremely difficult for our agency to provide without this support.  The Foundation understands the importance of educating future leaders in the 21st Century policing concepts and invests in police agencies in providing these opportunities. The staff and professors of SPI have provided me with an experience that will enhance my role as a leader and has taught me innovative approaches when dealing with our ever-changing profession.   The class was comprised of 48 administrators from 43 different agencies, all with the aspirations of graduating and continuing on with their careers. The unique situation with our class (the COVID-19 pandemic) turned out to be what made our class stronger.  The men and women of the ‘143’ have exhibited to me the true meaning of ‘adapt and overcome,’ and their respective agencies should be proud to have had representatives of this caliber attend SPI. I am forever grateful for being awarded the scholarship and look forward to serving my community and my agency.  The J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation leads the way in providing the community with strong leaders!”

Lieutenant Jason John Pedro, Hartford (VT) Police Department

Course Attended: 143rd Administrative Officers Course

 

2019 Recipients

Sergeant Christopher Fry

Meriden (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 142nd Administrative Officers Course

Photograph of 142nd AOC grad and scholarship recipient Sgt. Christopher Fry and Edward Pocock III, Director of the J. Allen Lamb and Edward S. Pocock III Foundation.

Sgt. Christopher Fry is a six-year veteran of the United States Army. Upon having completed his service, Sgt. Fry worked for the Monroe Police Department before joining the Meriden Police Department in 2006. Sgt. Fry was assigned to the Neighborhood Initiative Unit in 2007 where he concentrated his efforts in the City Park District of Meriden. In 2009, Sgt. Fry was assigned to the DEA Task Force in New Haven where he worked with a multitude of agencies to build in-depth narcotic investigations into serious offenders. In 2012, Sgt. Fry was promoted and worked on the midnight shift until his transfer to the Internal Affairs Division in 2016. Sgt. Fry has served in a variety of different capacities to include a ten-year period as a sniper for the department's SWAT Team.

Sgt. Fry holds a bachelor's degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Post University and most recently graduated from the Southern Police Institute's 142nd Administrative Officers Course. He will continue working toward his M.S. in Criminal Justice at the University of Louisville.

Commenting on his experiences at SPI, Sgt. Fry says: "The J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation recognizes the need for police leadership training. If not for their ideals and generosity in providing opportunities to educate police administrators, my attendance would not have been certain. I am humbly appreciative to have been named a scholarship recipient to attend the Southern Police Institute's 142nd AOC. The relationships that I have built with the staff and fellow classmates can only be compared to the exceedingly high caliber of values, goals, standards, and teachings offered at the University of Louisville. They have inspired and prepared my potential with ambitious hopes of leading the future for our policing communities. I am grateful for the faith and trust I have been given by my current leadership, colleagues, members of the AOC (past and present), and the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation. They are all true ambassadors of the law enforcement profession."

Lieutenant Keith Egan

Wallingford (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 141st Administrative Officers Course

Lt. Keith Egan has been in law enforcement for over 20 years in the state of Connecticut.  He began his career with the Wallingford (CT) Police Department and has been employed by the Southington Police Department for the past 18 years.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in July 2017.  He has experience working in his department’s Patrol and Detective divisions and currently is assigned as the Operations Commander, responsible for commanding his department’s Patrol Division, Communications Division, and regional Emergency Response Team.  In addition to promotion to Detective, Lt. Egan’s police leadership experience includes holding the ranks of Sergeant and Master Sergeant within the department’s patrol division.  

In addition to his years in law enforcement, Lt. Egan served over 26 years of military service with working knowledge and experience at all levels of leadership, from Direct, Organizational to Strategic leadership.  He achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major (E-9) prior to retirement in 2015.

Lt. Egan holds a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.  He will continue working towards his M.S. in Criminal Justice at the University of Louisville. Lt Egan has been an instructor, both in the military and law enforcement and remains active in areas including Stop Stick, Taser and all components of Active Shooter, including ALICE and ‘Stop the Bleed.’

In Lt. Egan’s own words:  “I am a person who truly believes in the value of education and the importance of learning and leadership.  After discovering the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer’s Course, I immediately knew the program could meet my goals of furthering my education and aid me in becoming a better leader.  I am extremely honored to have been selected to be the recipient of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation/Southern Police Institute AOC New England Scholarship for the 141st AOC.  This scholarship helped defray the cost to my department, making it possible for me to attend the program.

The lessons learned and relationships developed in the AOC I believe are invaluable.  Based on its many years of experience, I believe SPI has developed a program that challenges students to become more effective well-rounded leaders.  Each course has a unique method of teaching lessons that are thought-provoking, inspiring and invigorate a new excitement to return to our agencies as better leaders.  Grateful to the AOC’s partnership with the University of Louisville, I look forward to continuing on the Master’s program and learning from many of the same great scholars.”  

Detective Captain
Steve Doherty

Haverhill (MA) Police Department

Course Attended: 141st Administrative Officers Course

Captain Stephen Doherty is a 22 year veteran of the Haverhill, Massachusetts Police Department.  He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004 where he spent time as a Patrol Supervisor, Street Crimes Unit Supervisor, and Detective Sergeant.  In 2014 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he was initially assigned as a Patrol Shift Commander.   A short time later, he was transferred to the detective bureau as the Detective Lieutenant.

 In 2016, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and was assigned to command the patrol division.  As a Patrol Commander, Captain Doherty’s duties included overseeing the Patrol Division, School Resource Officers, Emergency Management and Community Action Team.  While Patrol Commander he initiated a quarterly Employee Excellence Program to acknowledge patrol officers who exceed work expectations.  In 2018, Captain Doherty was transferred to the detective bureau to his current assignment as Detective Commander.  Captain Doherty’s Detective Commander functions include overseeing: General Detectives, Narcotics Unit, Gang Unit, Firearms Licensing, and Property/Evidence.  Captain Doherty is also the Haverhill Police Department’s Public Information Officer. 

Captain Doherty was raised in Billerica, Massachusetts and graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1991.  He received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College, graduating Cum Laude.  He earned a graduate degree from Western New England College with a Master’s in Science of Police Administration.  In addition to the Administrative Officers Course (AOC), Captain Doherty is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the Southern Police Institute’s (SPI) Chief Executive Leadership Course.

Captain Doherty states: “Getting accepted into SPI’s 141st AOC and receiving the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation Scholarship has been an honor.  The education gained from this command school is exceptional.  Education is a large part of police leadership, and the AOC provides excellent leadership training for tomorrows leaders.  The AOC is a challenging and humbling experience which I encourage all police leaders to experience.  I will utilize this education to assist me with my professional goals of becoming the chief executive of a police department. 

The J. Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation allowed me to experience SPI’s 141st AOC.    Finances for training in police departments can be challenging to obtain.  The Lamb-Pocock Foundation AOC Scholarship assists officers from New England who otherwise could not afford to experience SPI’s command courses. It was an excellent opportunity to gain a superior education on leadership and develop lasting relationships with staff and classmates.  This AOC adventure has been the highlight of my law enforcement career.”           

2018 Recipients

Lieutenant Michael Colavolpe

Wallingford (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 140th Administrative Officers Course

 

Lieutenant Michael Colavolpe is a 17 year veteran of the Wallingford Police Department located in Wallingford, Connecticut. He began his career in law enforcement shortly after graduating from college. After serving a number of years in the patrol division, he was assigned to the detective division, where he spent most of his 7-year tenure conducting narcotic investigations.  After promotion to the rank of sergeant, he was assigned to the patrol division and the community police unit. While in command of the community police unit, Lieutenant Colavolpe was the department’s liaison for public/private school systems and assisted the schools in the implementation of security procedures.

He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to the patrol division as a shift commander. After his patrol assignment, Lieutenant Colavolpe was selected for his current assignment, commander of the detective division.  In addition to his responsibilities in the detective division, he is the commander of the department’s ceremonial rifle squad and chairman of the employee recognition committee. Also, he was the project manager for the department’s recent transition to a new CAD/Records Management System. Lieutenant Colavolpe is a participating member with the Wallingford Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and for 14 years has held an executive board position, to include time serving as vice president, treasurer, and secretary.

Lieutenant Colavolpe is a graduate of Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a graduate of the University of New Haven with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He has attended numerous professional training courses including a two-week management course hosted by Roger Williams University and completed FBI LEEDA’s “The Leadership Trilogy.”  He has received numerous departmental citations and is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal.   When he is not working, Lieutenant Colavolpe stays active within the community volunteering as a Little League Baseball Coach and serves on the Board of Directors for the Wallingford YMCA.

Lieutenant Colavolpe states, “From a very young age I had the desire to become a police officer and excel through the ranks to police chief. I am extremely honored and grateful to the J.Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation for awarding me a scholarship to attend the Southern Police Institute’s 140th Administrative Officer’s Course. Due to the financial difficulties facing the town of Wallingford and many agencies in Connecticut, my attendance at the Southern Police Institute would not have been possible without this scholarship.

The strong reputation of the Southern Police Institute for providing exceptional law enforcement training exceeded itself during my time at the 140th Administrative Officer’s Course. The training I received has already helped to improve my leadership skills and will continue to guide me as I strive to reach my goal of being a chief. In addition to the training, the relationships built and skills shared with fellow classmates who come from throughout the country are invaluable. The Administrative Officer’s Course brings individual leaders together in a single setting to corroborate together.”        

Lieutenant Frederick
Sifodaskalakis

Simsbury (CT)
Police Department

Course Attended: 139th Administrative Officers Course

Lieutenant Frederick Sifodaskalakis has been a police officer for 27 years in the State of Connecticut. He began his law enforcement career with the Bristol, Connecticut Police Department and has been employed by the Simsbury Police Department for the past 21 years. Lieutenant Sifodaskalakis was the department's first School Resource Officer and played a vital role in developing the Community Policing philosophy that is currently being used in the Simsbury Police Department. While at the Simsbury Police Department, he has served in both the Operations and Administrative divisions and has worked his way through the police ranks as a Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant to his current position as Lieutenant. As the only department Lieutenant, he serves as the Departments Operations Commander.

Lieutenant Sifodaskalakis earned his Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's Degree in Police Administration. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Police Administration at the University of New Haven. He has attended numerous professional training courses including a two-week Management course at Roger Williams University and the Connecticut Municipal Legal Traffic Authority Program at the University of Connecticut.

Lieutenant Sifodaskalakis represents his department on two town boards. The first, Community for Care, is tasked with educating the community on the illegal drugs in Simsbury and presents avenues to help residents that may be or have family members struggling with illegal drug use. The second, Public Gathering Committee, he manages from the initial organization process through after-action follow-up all police department involvement for Special Events (concerts, fireworks, road races, car/craft shows, carnival, etc.), that occur in Simsbury.

Lieutenant Sifodaskalakis states, "I am excited to have been selected to attend the Southern Police Institute's 139th Administrative Officers Course. I am very honored to have been selected and awarded the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation/Southern Police Institute AOC New England Scholarship. Without this scholarship, my attendance would have been in jeopardy with the financial difficulties facing Simsbury and the State of Connecticut. Attending the 139th Administration Officers Course will give me the necessary tools to return to my agency as a better leader. After thinking long and hard about my career path I know that ultimately, I want to hold the position of Police Chief. Furthering my education and professional training will allow me to gain the management knowledge I need to attain this goal of becoming a Police Chief. The Southern Police Institute has an excellent reputation as one of the best law enforcement programs in the country."

Lieutenant Paul J. West

Hartford (CT)
Police Department

Course Attended: 139th Administrative Officers Course

Lieutenant Paul J. West is a lifelong resident of the Greater Hartford area, and a 16-year veteran of the Hartford Connecticut Police Department. He began his career as a Public Safety Dispatcher before becoming a sworn member in 2003. Upon graduating the Hartford Police Academy, he was assigned to the patrol division working the midnight shift. Shortly after, he was recommended for the Community Response Division, a specialized unit addressing street-level narcotics, violent crimes, and quality of life issues. After four years, Lt. West earned the distinction of being the inaugural African American to place first on a promotional exam in the City of Hartford’s history. He was then assigned to serve as a supervisor in both the Patrol and Detention Divisions.

Lt. West feels policing is much more than a job, but a life-altering choice to make a difference and become an integral part of the community. He recognizes the inherent stresses of policing and proudly became a peer contact with the department’s Employee Assistance Program. He is currently the only African American Commander serving the City of Hartford and directs the Recruitment Division, created to address the police department's endeavors to reflect the demographics of its citizenry. Since the division's inception in 2016, the City of Hartford has experienced more than a 50% increase in minority/city recruits.

Lt. West is a graduate of PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Southern Police Institute’s, Chief Executive Officer Course. His many credits include citations from the Windsor, CT African American Civic Association; Distinguished Service Award, City of Hartford; induction into the National Honor Society Pi Gamma Mu, and the Distinguished Senior Award. He also holds a dual graduate degree from the University of Connecticut, where he was inducted into the PI Pi Alpha honor society for excellence in Public Administration and Public Policy. He has a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude in Human Services from Springfield College, where he also earned membership to the International Honor Society in Social Sciences, Pi Gamma Mu, and a License in Practical Nursing from Asnuntuck Community College.

Lt. West comments, “Any opportunity to gain knowledge is an important step towards progressively managing change; preparation is vital to finding viable solutions. I am deeply honored to represent the City of Hartford in what I believe to be the best management course in the country. In increasingly difficult economic times, education has become more elusive. Being awarded the Lamb-Pocock scholarship has exposed me to expert instruction and analysis – an opportunity I would have most likely missed due to looming financial constraints in the State of Connecticut. In the spirit of this gracious endowment, I am compelled to serve others and to develop new leaders who will advance our society. I have no doubt the Southern Police Institute has provided me with the necessary theories and principles to lead any agency in this country. I want to thank the staff of the AOC, the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation, SPI’s alumni association, and my esteemed classmates for a wonderful experience. My resolve is now even stronger: ‘Prosperity or promotion does not change who a person is; it merely gives them the power to be who they already are.’

As law enforcement practitioners, we have a great responsibility to meet the challenges ahead of us, thanks to an excellent curriculum coupled with the individual talents of the class of the 139th AOC. We are all more than capable of guiding our profession to new heights and have clearly demonstrated humanity is alive and well." 

2017 Recipients

Deputy Police Chief Robert E. Ford Jr.

Hartford (CT) Police Department 

Course Attended: 138th Administrative Officers Course

Deputy Police Chief Robert E. Ford Jr. was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. Deputy Chief Ford is a product of the Hartford Public School system and is a proud alumnus of Mary Hooker Elementary School, Naylor School and Bulkeley High School class of 1991. Deputy Chief Ford attended Springfield College where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services, in May 1998. Deputy Chief Ford would ultimately return to Springfield College to earn his Master of Science degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, graduating in December 2007.

Deputy Chief Robert E. Ford Jr. is a 19 year veteran of the Hartford Police Department and dedicated servant of the city of Hartford. When he graduated the Hartford Police Academy in December of 1998, he spent most his patrol experience policing the North District of the city during the midnight hours. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005 and served as a supervisor in the Patrol Division, Booking Division, Hartford Police Academy and the Internal Affairs Division. Deputy Chief Ford was also a Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC) certified instructor who taught officers how to conduct domestic violence investigations and report writing. In 2010, when Deputy Chief Ford was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, he commanded police operations in the Blue Hills, Clay Arsenal and Upper Albany Avenue neighborhoods. Deputy Chief Ford also served as Commander of the Police Activities League (PAL), where he managed, administrated and supervised weekly recreational, athletic and life skills programs for Hartford youth. In February 2014, he was appointed to Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Ford is currently the Chief of the North District and is responsible for police operations. Deputy Chief Ford has earned numerous exemplary service and merit honors over the course of his career.

Deputy Chief Ford has successfully completed numerous training and earned certifications in the areas of leadership, police organizational management, use of force and internal affairs investigations. On commenting on his SPI experience and receiving the Lamb-Pocock Scholarship Deputy Chief Ford stated, "I am honored and very grateful to be the recipient of the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation and Southern Police Institute AOC New England Scholarship. Without the scholarship, attending SPI would have been difficult based on the current fiscal crises facing the state of Connecticut and city of Hartford. Thanks to Ed Pocock and the foundation, I was able to attend the 138th Administrative Officers Course and receive an education with and from some of the finest law enforcement leaders in America. Living, learning and sharing educational experiences with my 138th family has reaffirmed my belief that the future of law enforcement is in the hands of excellent leaders. I am very thankful for all those who made it possible for me to attend this prestigious training."

Lieutenant Glendaly Garcia 

Hartford (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 137th Administrative Officers Course

Lt. Glendaly Garcia is a Hartford native who has proudly served with the Hartford Police Department for 19 years. She began her career in 1998 and has served in various capacities. She was promoted to Detective in 2003 and assigned to the Crime Scene Division where she worked as Crime Scene Unit Investigator. In 2007, she was promoted to Sergeant, where she has served in varying assignments to include overseeing the Auxiliary Services Division, Background Investigation Unit, Pistol Permit Unit, Quality of Life Unit, and as a Patrol supervisor. She was tasked with spearheading the newly formed Domestic Violence Unit and served as a member of the Hartford Domestic Violence Docket Team and the Cultural Diversity and Accessibility Committee. She has also served as Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer. She was promoted to Lieutenant in October 2014 and is currently assigned to the Investigative Services Bureau as Commander of the Crime Scene Unit. Previously, she was commander of the Major Crimes Division. 

Lt. Garcia was raised in Hartford, CT and attended Hartford Public Schools. She earned a Master's Degree in Public Policy Law and Government from Trinity College, a Bachelor of Science in Health Care (emphasis in Respiratory Care) from the University of Hartford and an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science from Tunxis Community College. She is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Police, Session 60, the Southern Police Institute's 137th Administrative Officers Course, and the City of Hartford Middle Management Institute. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North American Family Institute, Connecticut (NAFI). Notwithstanding her accomplishments in private and public life, she is most proud to be the parent of beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Eva Maribella Macci.

Lt. Garcia states: "I was incredibly excited to hear that I was selected to receive Lamb-Pocock AOC New England Scholarship. The award is an important impetus for me to continue my academic goals of progressing my career to new heights. I am enthusiastic about an affiliation with the Southern Police Institute because the Administrative Officers Course brings together top achievers, and the interaction provides collective motivation to grow as future leaders. In particular, the AOC's events and curriculum greatly harnessed my interpersonal and teamwork skills, and have ignited an ambition to fulfill my leadership potential. I would like to thank Chief James C. Rovella for continuing to provide support for my career development."

Deputy Chief Ashley A. Gonzalez

Norwalk (CT) Police Department

Course Attended: 137th Administrative Officers Course

Deputy Chief Ashley A. Gonzalez, Norwalk (CT) Police is the third recipient of the Lamb-Pocock AOC New England Scholarship and a graduate of the 137th Administrative Officers Course (AOC) at the Southern Police Institute.
Deputy Chief Gonzalez was promoted to his position on July 16, 2015. He began his career with the Norwalk Police Department in 1988, as a patrol officer. He was promoted to Detective in 2002, Sergeant in 2003, and Lieutenant in 2010. He has worked in various divisions and units including patrol, narcotics, K-9 unit, community policing, honor guard unit, youth bureau, special victims unit and the crisis negotiations team.


Deputy Chief Gonzalez holds an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Deputy Chief Gonzalez has completed Southern Police Institute's Chief Executive Leadership Course, FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development, and Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officers Course 137th Session.


Deputy Chief Gonzalez currently serves in the City of Norwalk Juvenile Review Board, City of Norwalk Youth Advisory Board, and the Advisory Council for Life Line Chaplaincy.


Deputy Chief Gonzalez stated "I am extremely grateful to the J. Allen Lamb & Edward S. Pocock III Foundation. This scholarship allowed me the opportunity to attend the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officers Course (137th AOC). The course was one of the best leadership training courses I have received during my 29 years of service. I believe the AOC is a must for police managers who are seeking to grow professionally and enhance their leadership skills"

2016 Recipient

Deputy Chief Jeffrey Patterson

Littleton (MA) Police Department

Course Attended: 136th Administrative Officers Course

Deputy Chief Jeffrey M. Patterson, Littleton (MA) Police Department, is the second recipient of the Lamb-Pocock AOC New England Scholarship and a member of the 136th Administrative Officers Course (AOC) at the Southern Police Institute. He began his career with the Littleton PD as a Reserve Police Officer in the year 2000 at the age of 33. Previously, he had been the Director of Operations for a private ambulance service and also worked as a Reserve Police Officer for the Town of Concord, where he grew up. He completed the Lowell Police Academy at the age of 35, but was not the oldest in the class as another recruit entered at the age of 37.
He worked as a patrol officer for two years and was presented the opportunity to become a detective, remaining in the Criminal Investigations Division, where he became Detective Sergeant in 2012. After completing the assessment center for the Deputy Chief's position, he was named Deputy Police Chief in December of 2014.
Deputy Chief Patterson has lived in the Town of Littleton with his wife Susan. He has two adult children: 24-year old Stephen who is in the Army based in Fort Carson, CO, and 21-year old Nicole, who serves in the Army Reserves as a Medic, and is attending Fitchburg State University in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice.


Littleton Chief Matthew King was the first in the agency to graduate from SPI in the spring of 2011 (125th AOC alumnus) and encouraged his Deputy Chief to attend the course. Chief Patterson states: "I am thankful that my Chief has made the commitment to training and education which has allowed me the opportunity to come to the Southern Police Institute and join the Administrative Officers Course. I believe this course will allow me to further grow my leadership abilities and continue to move our department forward. The Lamb-Pocock Scholarship allowed my department to send me to SPI without effecting our training and education budget for our officers. This will allow us to keep our commitment to training and education for our staff and look forward to sending some of them to the Command Officers Development Course."

Captain Lenny Roberts

Hartford (VT) Police Department

Course Attended: 135th Administrative Officers Course