Senator Kissel Named “Legislator of the Year” by State Police Chiefs

State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Police Chief’s Association (CPCA). Senator Kissel is being honored for his efforts on behalf of law enforcement in the state of Connecticut. He is one of only two legislators in the entire 187-member Connecticut General Assembly who will be honored by the CPCA at the organization’s winter quarterly meeting on December 15 th, 2004 at Saint Clements Castle in Portland.

“One of the most important responsibilities of state government is to protect the public’s safety, so to receive the recognition of the Connecticut Police Chief’s Association is truly an honor,” said Sen. Kissel. “Over the next two years I will continue to be a strong supporter of law enforcement and of those who have the tremendous responsibility of making sure our communities are safe.”

According to the Police Chiefs, Senator Kissel has been a “staunch supporter of law enforcement who has always taken positions favorable to protecting the public’s safety.” In addition Sen. Kissel is being credited with consistently understanding the scope and value of decisions that affect the law enforce-ment community and the public.

In a statement the CPCA said, “Senator Kissel has mastered the ability to clearly understand the ramifications of any change that may affect the public. His quickness to clearly understand the totality of issues has placed him at the top of responsible elected officials.”

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association is an organization of almost 600 members. They share the goal of serving those members and the public by increasing the understanding of the role of the police in the criminal justice system and by fostering improvements in law enforcement education, practice and research. Founded in 1934, CPCA is the oldest professional law enforcement association in Connecticut and the only one that represents all of Connecticut’s Municipalities.

Senator Kissel was recently reelected to a seventh term in the state Senate representing the towns
of Enfield, East Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks, and parts of Granby and Windsor. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, Human Services Committee and the Select Committee on Aging.