STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Public Safety 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, Connecticut 06457	Contact:  860-685-8230 pio.dps@po.state.ct.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Colonel Edward J. Lynch, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, announced today that he will retire from state service effective January 1, 2007.  Lynch, who has held every rank in the State Police Department since joining the department in 1982, has served as Colonel since April, 2004.  He has accepted an executive security position in private industry.  Colonel Lynch informed Governor M. Jodi Rell of his decision earlier this week.

Governor Rell praised Colonel Lynch as a model law enforcement official. “Shortly after I became Governor, Colonel Lynch told me that he intended to retire at the beginning of 2007, so it comes as no surprise.  He has served the people of this state with honor, distinction and pride for over thirty years.  I deeply appreciate Ed’s service to the state.  Whether as a road trooper or as the commanding officer of the department, he has displayed the characteristics that should be the hallmark of every law enforcement individual.  His hard work, professionalism and determination will be truly missed.”

Colonel Lynch said “It’s difficult to leave after more than thirty years in law enforcement, but I have a wonderful opportunity that I simply cannot pass up.  My family has sacrificed so that I could pursue my passion for law enforcement, I must do this for them.  But in my heart I will always be a Connecticut State Trooper. As I’ve said many times, that title means more to me than any other.  It has been a pleasure to serve under Governor Rell, and I thank her for the confidence she has shown in me.  To the men and women of the State Police, I wish them health, safety, and Godspeed.  I will always consider each and every one of them my family.”

Public Safety Commissioner Leonard Boyle echoed Governor Rell’s comments.  “Ed Lynch has been my trusted colleague and confidant, but more importantly a friend.  He has given more to the people of this state and the Department of Public Safety than I can possibly recount.  I will miss his counsel, his experience, and his unwavering sense of duty and dedication to the mission of this agency.  In every decision, from the mundane to the most critical, Ed had only one consideration: what is best for the citizens we serve.  I am sorry that he is retiring, but I well understand that, for his family’s sake, he must accept the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to him.”

Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling, President of the Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association noted that the relationship between municipal departments and the State Police has flourished during Colonel Lynch’s tenure.  “My colleagues and I can never recall a time when the partnership among agencies has been this strong.  I attribute much of that to Ed’s integrity and his dedication to the mission of law enforcement.  I speak for municipal chiefs throughout Connecticut when I say that we will miss Colonel Lynch’s leadership, wisdom and friendship.”

Governor Rell said that a replacement will be named in the next few weeks.