Patrick Walsh
I am a lifelong resident of Ridgefield. My wife, Kathleen, and I have four beautiful children, three daughters and a son. I have had the pleasure to serve Ridgefield as an appointed and elected official for fifteen years. In the past, I have served our community for three (3) years on the Zoning Board of Appeals and then twelve (12) years as a Planning and Zoning / Inland Wetland Commissioner and lastly as a member of the Charter Revision Committee. It has been an honor and a privilege to give back to our community and I hope to continue serving our community as Police Commissioner.
I have been in private practice with the law firm of Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP for 25 years and have extensive experience in civil and criminal law. I am confident my 25 years of experience handling a wide range of civil and criminal matters will serve Ridgefield well as Police Commissioner.
What are the main issues facing the Police Commission?
Why are you the right candidate for the Police Commission this year?
Policing is one of the most important issues facing every community and Ridgefield is no different. Policing has changed dramatically from when I grew up, changes that have made our community safer. As a civilian review board, the Police Commission is responsible for management and supervision of the police department, town property and equipment used by the police department.
The Commission hires, promotes, and terminates police officers and other members of the police department. The Commission also acts as the town's traffic authority. These responsibilities are essential as elected officials set the rules and regulations to ensure the department is working at its best for Ridgefield
The Commission is facing a number of critical issues that affect the Department. The Commission will be overseeing the location, design and construction of a much needed police facility if approved. The Commission is currently working with the Department on the new body cameras all officers will be equipped with and the new dashboard cameras to be installed in the police cruisers. These extremely important matters will ultimately effect policing in Ridgefield for decades to come and it is essential that the public, through their elected Commissioners, have a voice in how the police department will satisfy their needs
Having served our community on several Boards and Commissions I know and appreciate the responsibility elected officials have and the importance of community trust in their decision making. My college undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice, my legal background and my experience as an elected official make me uniquely qualified to guide the police department as your representative.