Waterford selects interim police chief
Waterford — The Board of Police Commissioners approved a motion Wednesday to select Lt. Marc Balestracci as the interim police chief.
The decision comes two days after Chief Brett Mahoney announced his retirement Monday, Oct. 4, when he submitted his letter of retirement to the board.
"I'm excited for this opportunity," Balestracci said, "I express my deepest gratitude to Chief Mahoney for 26 years of his leadership and direction in the town."
Balestracci, 46, has lived in Waterford for the past 20 years with his wife, Katie, and two daughters, Mariah and Kaelynn. He said he wants to continue the culture of the department — being highly involved in the community, delivering high standards of service in the town and providing stability in the transition to a new chief.
The Board of Police Commissioners in Wednesday's special meeting accepted Mahoney's retirement and went into executive session to discuss Balestracci as a candidate and his term as interim chief.
Commissioner James Dimmick said no executive decision was made. Balestracci will serve as interim chief for up to six months, after which the board will evaluate his performance and decide whether to permanently make him chief.
Balestracci, who has a bachelor's degree in public safety administration and an associate degree in criminal justice, was hired by Waterford police in 2001. Prior to that, he served in Connecticut's Army National Guard for eight years. He said he's moved up through the ranks at the police department from officer to sergeant to lieutenant.
In his time at the department, Balestracci has been part of community outreach projects, including the creation of the Citizen's Police Academy in 2012, an annual free program meant to build relationships with residents and give them a better understanding of what police officers do every day. He also worked many years with Waterford Youth Services, helping in events and in forming its youth basketball league.
He also has served in several other positions in the community, such as on the Board of Selectmen 2018-19, Representative Town Meeting 2011-18 and as chairman of the Public Protection and Safety Committee.
Mahoney said Balestracci is uniquely positioned to serve as the interim chief due to his police experience, community involvement and overall interest in all things Waterford.
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
