Patrick Tracy was promoted from lieutenant to deputy chief of the East Haven Police Department (EHPD) in a swearing-in ceremony held on Sept. 23.

Tracy fills the role vacated by former deputy chief James Naccarato, whose contract was not renewed by the Board of Police Commissioners; he left the department in June.

Tracy earned his B.S. in criminal justice magna cum laude from Post University, a master’s degree in public administration cum laude from the University of New Haven, and a graduate certificate in human resource management from the University of New Haven. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police and FBI National Academy.

“I’m proud to welcome Deputy Chief Tracy to his new role,” Police Chief Ed Lennon stated in a press release. Tracy’s “commitment to the department, dedicated work ethic, and his strong leadership skills make him the perfect fit for the position.”

Tracy began his career with the EHPD in 2007. He served as a patrol officer and sergeant, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2015. Most recently, he served as the head of the Administration and Training Division. Until his appointment as deputy chief, he served as the unit commander of the South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit, a six-town regional specialized team that investigates serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Tracy previously served as a field training officer, field training program supervisor, patrol supervisor, and supervisor of accreditation. Under his supervision, the department attained national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

Lennon, who began his law enforcement career in 2001 when hired by the department and rose through the ranks, becoming deputy chief in 2014 and chief in 2016, said that the EHPD continues to be a place where professionals can progress.

“The ability for the department to promote from within speaks volumes to the quality of candidates at all ranks within the department. The promotion of Deputy Chief Tracy is just the beginning of several other departmental changes and supervisory promotions that will be taking place in the next several months. I’m excited about the direction of the Department as we strive to make progress and continue to provide our community with the best 21st-century policing practices.”

“It is an honor to have sworn Deputy Chief Tracy in four times since joining the East Haven Police Department in 2007,” Maturo said in the release. “It is great for the town and the department to have another talented, homegrown candidate join our department’s leadership team.”

“This solidifies the leadership of the EHPD and I’m confident that Deputy Chief Tracy will do well in his new role supporting the chief and furthering the department’s mission well into the future,” Police Commission Chair William Illingworth said. “It has been an honor to continue to promote our talented men and women as they progress in their careers.”