Branford’s Deputy Police Chief to Take Position with Windsor Locks

Last night, 60 miles from Branford, Windsor Locks Police Department decided to select to take the reins for their department.

Having been in the running for the but not getting selected, Fowler was excited to hear of the good fortune last night.

“It’s still kind of sinking in,” he said via phone this morning. “I’m looking at the whole thing – it’s not official yet.”

Fowler, a North Branford native, has been with for 25 years and has worked his way from officer to deputy chief.

Last night at 10 p.m. after having dinner with family at his regular Friday night spot – – Fowler said he was notified by Windsor Locks that he was selected for the position of chief. This week, after interviews Thursday and Friday, Fowler was chosen from a pool of 12 final candidates. Walking in from dinner last night, Fowler said his phone was ringing from the Hartford Courant – news travels fast, he commented.

The Courant reports that the selection of Fowler from 70 possible applicants nationwide comes in the wake of a controversy surrounding the former chief. The Courant reported, “[Fowler] will fill a vacancy left by Chief John Suchocki, who retired days before a highly critical independent review of the department's handling of a fatal crash involving Officer Michael Koistinen was released in August.”

Fowler has notified of his decision to accept the job offer in Windsor Locks but he has not discussed the moved with the department in detail. He must next sit down with his new department’s HR to determine a possible starting date and details. Fowler said his current contract in Branford requires 30 days notice and he has not set a departure date with the Town yet.

As per job requirement, Fowler said he must move within 20 miles of Windsor Locks when he takes the new position; he and his wife have not chose a place to live at this point.

Patch will be interviewing Fowler in the coming weeks as he looks to the future of his possible new position. In the immediate future – this weekend – Fowler said his plans are to celebrate his children and wife’s birthdays in New York and take in a New England Patriots game.