Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has appointed Bloomfield Police Chief Betsy J.S. Hard to be the new deputy commissioner for the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS).
DEMHS coordinates all resources and directs the statewide response to protect Connecticut citizens during a disaster or crisis. Chief Hard will assist Commissioner Peter Boynton carry out the agency’s mission of prevention, response recovery, and public education.
“Chief Hard will bring tremendous experience to the agency,” Governor Rell said. “Her distinguished career in law enforcement and dedication to public safety is exemplary and I am extremely pleased to have her on board.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Chief Hard has been the top administrator at the Bloomfield Police Department for the past six years. Prior to that, she served 21 years with the Santa Monica (Calif.) Police Department, retiring with the rank of lieutenant in 2003. A Massachusetts native, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College, N.H. and attended California State University at Northridge.
“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Rell to serve the State of Connecticut in such a vital role,” Chief Hard said. “I look forward to joining Commissioner Boynton’s team and meeting the challenges of preparing and protecting our public, through cooperative planning and strategies.”
Chief Hard replaces former Deputy Commissioner Wayne Sandford, who retired in July. She begins her new duties on November 6, 2009.
