Dear Honorable Board of Aldermen,
At this time I wish to bring forth the nomination of Assistant Police Chief Enoch “Nick” Willard as the next Manchester Chief of Police to succeed David J. Mara upon his retirement.
Assistant Chief Willard has been with the City of Manchester for nearly 23 years and throughout his career has always represented the Manchester Police Department, and the City of Manchester, with dignity, with pride, with honor and with humility.
By any reasonable measure Assistant Chief Willard has already had a distinguished career at the Manchester Police Department. He began as a Patrolman and rose through the ranks as a Detective, Detective Supervisor, Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and to his current role as Assistant Chief of Police.
He has twice been the recipient of the Manchester Police Department’s Honorable Service Award. Once for the rescue of a 7-year old kidnap victim, whom he resuscitated upon finding, and another in acknowledgement for his role as the lead investigator in the Officer Michael Briggs homicide investigation. He was later presented with the Chief’s Achievement Award for his tireless work during the pretrial, trial, and sentencing phases on the Briggs homicide case. He was also selected as an honorable mention for the National Association of Police Organizations “Top Cop” Award. Nick is also a past recipient of the U.S. Marshals Service Award for the arrest of a US Marshal top 10 fugitive.
During his tenure Assistant Chief Willard has earned the respect of everyone from the members of this board, the men and women of the Manchester Police Department, the community at large and many more. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that the person whom I believe, besides his family, whom has the greatest respect for Assistant Chief Willard and vice-versa is the individual he succeeds – our current Chief David J. Mara. For nearly two years they have worked together, side-by-side, leading the department and they achieved great success. I am thankful for their service together and with this nomination know that the same level of service we have enjoyed will continue.
Assistant Chief Willard has committed to moving to the City of Manchester within 180 days of employment.
Assistant Chief Willard will assume his duties as the Chief of Police upon Chief Mara’s retirement. Per ordinance his salary will move to a Grade 29, Step 16 (AL3) ($149,865.59). This nomination will lay over to the next meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday, June 2, 2015.
In closing, it is with great honor that I ask for the approval of the membership of the Board of Aldermen on the nomination of Mr. Enoch “Nick” Willard as the next Chief of Police of the City of Manchester.
Mayor Ted Gatsas
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