Crime & Safety
Meet Avon's New Top Cop
The Avon Police Department's new police chief is not only a resident, but has more than three decades in law enforcement.
AVON, CT — Days after saying goodbye to its former chief of police, the Avon Police Department has now announced a new top cop in town.
His name is Neil Dryfe, and the veteran law enforcer started work last week, issuing a letter introducing himself last Friday, July 11.
Dryfe said he has 35 years of police experience, including 21 years in the Hartford Police Department and 14 years as the chief of police in Cheshire.
Find out what's happening in Avonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The chance, however, to lead his hometown department proved to be a good opportunity, he said.
"Most important, in my opinion, is that I am a 19-year resident of the Town of Avon. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Police in the community where my wife and I raised our family, and our kids all graduated from the Avon Public Schools," wrote Dryfe in a message to the Avon community.
Find out what's happening in Avonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
He said his early focus is, simply, to get to know the men and women at the APD.
So far, Dryfe said, he's impressed.
"I will share with you that I have come away thoroughly impressed with the dedication and professionalism that the men and women of the Avon Police Department bring to the community every day. They are focused on public safety issues every day and are active in the community," wrote Dryfe.
"The interactions that I’ve been able to witness so far between Avon Police Officers and members of the public have been marked by empathy, professionalism, and a service-oriented mindset."
Dryfe replaces former chief Paul Melanson, who stepped down last month after serving three years.
According to WTNH Channel 8, Melanson will become the public safety director in the Town of Farmington, where he once served as police chief.
Meanwhile, Dryfe said he will be making rounds in the coming months, visiting with members of the community, with business owners, and anyone who wants to talk.
Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson said the police chief's position is an appointed one that is made by the town manager.
He said Dryfe's salary is $165,000, and his first day was July 7.
Dryfe encouraged folks to email him at ndryfe@avonct.gov or call him at 860-409-4213.
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