After more than six years serving as a member of the Guilford Police Department (GPD) and more than three years at its helm, Chief of Police Warren “Butch” Hyatt will retire at the end of July.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I’m 38 years in; I started back in 1985, which is a long time for police work if you think about it,” said Hyatt.

Hyatt replaced former Police Chief Jeffrey Hutchinson in August 2020 after joining GPD as deputy chief in 2017. He began his career as a patrol officer in Milford before joining the Connecticut State Police, serving for 29 years. As a state police officer, Hyatt began his career as a patrol trooper and was promoted through the ranks as detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and major before reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel.

While Hyatt said he has been considering retirement for a while, he has mixed feelings.

“I’ve been having conversations with the [Police] Commission for over a year now about a retirement,” Hyatt said. “I’ve got some things I’d like to do before I get too old. It’s just one of those things. They say you know when you know, and I kind of know. So, it’s time for me to reflect a little bit. It’s time to start a new chapter, and I think that chapter means a little less time working and maybe do something part-time.”

At its March 23 meeting, Board of Police Commissioners Chair Bob Welsh expressed his gratitude to Hyatt for his leadership.

“On behalf of the other commissioners, we have to say that it has been a pleasure to have you as chief of police here, safeguarding this town and this fine agency,” said Welsh. “We are very appreciative of your service.”

Hyatt also praised the board of police commissioners for helping foster and positive relationship and dedication to their charge.

First Selectman Matt Hoey said Hyatt’s retirement is a loss for the town.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed to see someone of his capabilities and his experience and demeanor leave, but we’re also happy that after a long and successful career in public safety and police work that he’s going to be able to retire and maybe play a little more softball and have a little more time to do that during the summer,” said Hoey. “He certainly deserves a long healthy and happy retirement after his years of public service.”

According to Hyatt, he does not have any pressing intention of jumping into a new position anytime soon and said he simply plans to enjoy a summer free from duties of law enforcement and spending time with his family.

“My immediate plan is to take the summer off and spend it with my family. It’s been 38 years and, essentially, the last 25 or so in an executive and leadership role and have kind of been at the mercy of the telephone 24/7, so it might be nice to step away from that for a little bit,” said Hyatt. “This has been more than half my life in this career doing this and it’s a decision not made lightly. I loved working the group of people we have here at this department.”

Hyatt elaborated on his tenure and said that his lasting memory of his service will be the relationships he developed and the friendships he made across his career.

“There are so many memories, but some of the best times we had were projects and working with the community. National Night Out and some of the programs like that, where we’re out there actually with the town having a good time outside the traditional role of police officers. Leading the conga line with Matt Hoey on national Night out was certainly fun,” said Hyatt. “This is one of those decisions that’s difficult to make when you’re in a place that you enjoy, but for me, it’s been a long time, and it’s simply time now for me to go and enjoy my family. I have children and grandchildren and I am looking forward to spending that time with them.”

No plans have been announced for locating a suitable replacement for Hyatt.