[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF J. DARREN STEWART

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2022

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 
the distinguished service of Chief Darren Stewart of Pawcatuck, 
Connecticut. As the Chief of Police in Stonington, Stewart led an 
esteemed career that spanned over 38 years since he joined the force at 
the age of 19. In leading the division for the last 14 years, Chief 
Stewart has embodied the spirit of a perfect role model and leader--one 
that I am sure that future chiefs, not just in Stonington but also 
across the entire district, will look to in praise and admiration.
  ln addition to serving in the police department, Stewart also pursued 
a passion for learning and teaching. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of 
General Studies from the University of Connecticut in Storrs and 
continued his studies at Salve Regina University of Rhode Island to 
earn his Master of Business Administration in Management. Armed with 
these degrees and a passion for helping others grow, Darren began a 
secondary career as a professor for his alma maters and the Connecticut 
State Police Academy in 2004. Since his first day as a professor, 
Stewart has proved a patient and wise teacher committed to educating 
future community members.
  Chief Stewart's dual-path as an educator and community leader proved 
to make him a natural, steady-handed Chief of the Stonington Police 
Department. Passionate about the protection of his local community, 
Stewart's dedication and impressive work ethic earned him the promotion 
of Chief of Police in 2008. As someone whose career originated with the 
force, he came into the role with a clear understanding of the greatest 
opportunities for improvement. It was with this background in mind that 
prioritizing an efficient and resource-rich workforce became the first, 
second and third priority.
  One-by-one, Chief Stewart marked off his checklist of goals for the 
force, equipping his officers with the tools that they needed to 
succeed. This included updating mechanical systems and computer 
technology, acquiring a new police boat, and creating a chaplain 
program to assist his officers with the toughest part of the job--
notifying immediate family of the tragic loss of one of their 
colleagues. Notably, it was also with much thanks to Chief Stewart's 
efforts that Stonington led the movement to invest in local 
communications infrastructure and tie the agency into the state's 
superior radio system. As a result of Chief Stewart's initiative and 
the town's major upgrade in terms of safe and efficient communication, 
Stonington earned the 2018 Municipal Excellence Award from the 
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. With Chief Stewart at the 
helm, the Stonington Police Department also entered a parentship with 
Safe Futures, a social services agency based in nearby New London, 
Connecticut, which now supports the town in assisting victims of 
domestic violence. My office has worked with the Stonington Police 
Department to obtain federal competitive grant funding in the past and 
I can personally attest that the department would not be nearly as well 
equipped and successful as it is today without Chief Stewart's hard 
work and advocacy for his fellow officers.
  Madam Speaker, I am so proud to represent such selfless and committed 
constituents as Darren Stewart in the second district of Connecticut. 
Inspired by his wife, Beth, three daughters, and the difference made by 
his own colleagues, Chief Stewart set out to ensure the Stonington 
Police Department worked for their partners: the People of Stonington. 
Though his transition into his new role undoubtedly leaves large shoes 
to fill, we find gratitude in the fact that he has left the department 
in incredible standing, in capable hands, and that Chief Stewart will 
remain an active member of the local community. To that end, as he 
embarks on this next chapter with his family, I ask my colleagues in 
the House to join me in honoring Chief J. Darren Stewart, an inspiring 
leader and impeccable role model, for his huge successes in the police 
department and impact on the countless lives of others, extending the 
legacy of his career.

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