Farmington Welcomes Back Veteran Law Enforcer

FARMINGTON, CT — The Town of Farmington last week did not cue the theme song to "Welcome Back Kotter," but they did officially welcome back their former police chief for a new role in town.

Former Avon Police Chief Paul Melanson, who was Farmington's police chief for 13 years before his Avon stint from 2022-25, was officially named Farmington's new director of public safety with a salary of $195,000.

He was welcomed by the Farmington Town Council on July 8 for the new position created this fiscal year, in which fire/police/emergency management services are under one municipal leader.

Melanson was hired by Farmington Town Manager Kathleen Blonski for the position, which, per town charter, does not require a town council vote.

Blonski announced Melanson's return to Farmington at last week's council meeting.

"This is an exciting time for our community and our public safety organizations. Farmington is fortunate to have exceptional public safety departments with dedicated and hard-working police officers, career firefighters, and volunteer firefighters," Blonski said.

"I’m confident that Farmington will continue to provide the highest level of public safety to both our residents and businesses under the leadership of our new director of public safety, Paul Melanson."

Blonski pointed out that when Melanson was the Farmington police chief, he often oversaw the fire department on an interim basis at times.

"Chief Melanson is a seasoned and very well-respected police chief in the State of Connecticut. On the fire side, Chief Melanson brings strong administrative and management experience in public safety at a high level," she said.

Melanson said he was "glad to be back" in Farmington.

"I spent 13 years here and have been away three years, almost to the day, and back, so it has really been a pleasure," he said.

"Some of the same issues that we were dealing with five years ago are the same issues today. A lot of times, they're not simple solutions."

While the council had no say on the hire, it did welcome Melanson back and unanimously voted to approve Blonki's town manager report, which included Melanson's hire.

For the minutes of the July 8 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

From July 7: 'Avon Bids Adieu To Its Police Chief'