Ledyard — A formal ceremony at Ledyard High School on Tuesday that included the honor guards of several police departments celebrated the swearing-in of John Rich as Ledyard's first-ever police chief and marked the town's upcoming transition to an independent police force Feb. 1. 

Mayor Michael Finkelstein, a former lieutenant of the Ledyard department, praised both the work of the resident state troopers who have managed the town since the 1960s and the leadership of Chief Rich in making the transition possible.

"Many of the resident troopers that have served in our community have played a large role in shaping the police department that we have today," Finkelstein said, noting that Rich arrived as a resident state trooper in Ledyard in June 2005.

"The past 50 years have been full of growth, hard work and prosperity for the Ledyard Police Department," Finkelstein said before addressing the officers directly. "Today marks an exciting day full of challenges."

The ceremony began with a procession led by the New London Fire Department Fife and Drums performing "God Bless America" and honor guards from Groton Town, Norwich, Stonington, Providence and state police. The Ledyard High School Chamber Choir performed "The Star Spangled Banner."

Town Clerk Patricia Riley administered the oath to Rich, who was joined on the stage by his wife, Jennifer, who pinned his medal, and children, Julia and Lila.

Rich thanked his family and the officers who trained and guided him in his career.

"Thank you for all you taught me, because you own a part of this moment," Rich said.

He praised the "selfless and committed" members of the police department, and recognized their excellence in accident reconstruction and criminal investigation.

As his first act as chief, Rich led the assembled officers in a reaffirmation of their oath.

In an interview this week, Rich said his long-term goal for the department is Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council, or POST-C, accreditation, which he said will require a review of the department's policies.

He also plans on having more officers trained in crisis intervention. Currently three officers and Rich himself have that training.

Patrol sergeants also will take on an expanded role, Rich said, as Troop E oversight ends, he said.

The town is required to give the state of Connecticut 30 days' notice of adopting local control of the police force, which will result in the Feb. 1 starting date.

The Town Council approved the ordinance establishing the independent force in September, as the new police facility next to the town hall was begun. Rising costs of the resident state trooper program were a factor in the move.

The town will purchase a computer-aided dispatching system as well as a fingerprinting machine, spending $30,000 to do so from a line in the budget that the town had overfunded in case the state contribution for the resident state trooper was reduced.

The Finance Committee also approved the purchase of a cruiser for the chief on Dec. 9 at a cost of $22,800, which will come to $27,600 once modifications are made.

Infrastructure to boost radio signals along Route 12 in Gales Ferry also was funded for around $10,000.

Rich will receive a salary of $113,000.

With the new facility expected to be under construction till October of next year, the department has sought temporary solutions, including a potential agreement to use holding cells in the town of Groton.

The department also is making arrangements to store evidence, handle property, write its own reports and charge fees in its temporary space.

n.lynch@theday.com

Twitter: @_nathanlynch