Hamden native Edward Page Reynolds is the police department’s new chief, Mayor Lauren Garrett announced Tuesday, making him the first Black person to hold HPD’s top post.
“It is with immense pleasure that we announce our committee’s unanimous decision,” a statement from the search committee out of Garrett’s office read.
“After a meticulous examination and a thorough assessment, we have identified Mr. Edward Page Reynolds as the individual who possesses the essential qualities, knowledge, experience, and requisite skills to serve as the next Chief of Police for the Hamden Police Department.”
Reynolds, who is an alumni of Hamden High and University of Bridgeport, spent the last five years as chief of police at Southern University at Shreveport in Louisiana.
Prior to that, he held the chief positions for Forrest City (Arkansas) and the Wilton (Maine) police departments.
Before leading departments, Reynolds served the New Haven Police Department for 14 years as homicide detective in the major crimes unit and hostage negotiator.
Reynolds’ LinkedIn page says he also consults with major production companies for true-crime shows. He is also an ordained minister, preaching for nearly 30 years.
For some Hamden residents, the choice to hire outside of the town department came as a shock. However, Garrett explained in a press conference with HQNN that the choice came at the request of the community.
“Several years ago, in looking for a new police chief… there was a search committee that was organized and then working with them had halted,” Garrett said. “There was a lot of outreach from the community that the previous committee did not follow through with their search… so I wanted to make sure there was voice in the room from many members.”
An extensive amount of time was devoted to interviewing candidates before Reynolds was chosen, according to Garrett.
Acting chief Tim Wydra announced his retirement Monday after learning he did not get the full-time job.
“He has done a fantastic job as interim chief and we have a great relationship,” Garrett said. “I really appreciate the work that he’s done in making some really great changes to the Hamden Police Department.”
Wydra, who had been deputy chief and a member of Hamden Police since 1993, served in the acting chief role since May 2022 after the retirement of John Sullivan. He is the twin brother of former chief Tom Wydra, who left in 2018 for a job with the state Department of Labor.
Reynolds takes over once his appointment is approved by the town’s legislative council and receives State of Connecticut certification, while Wydra said his last day will be Oct. 15.