'Turnback Tuesday' memory from 7 years ago of Derby Police Chief Edward Slezak

Memory from Oct. 4, 2016:

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo taken in August, 1955 of former Derby police chief, Edward "Eddy" Slezak, in front of Lee Brothers' Furniture Shop at 57 Elizabeth St. 

At the time of the photo, Officer Slezak was still a Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1961 and became Police Chief in 1966. He retired in 1973. 

Slezak was born on December 12th,1913 and died on May 17th, 1977.

Public invited to swearing-in of Police Chief Cota at Ansonia High School

*Shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Congratulations, best wishes to Ansonia's new chief of police

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti administers the oath to Andrew Cota Friday at City Hall./ APD photo


Sharing from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

"Andrew L. Cota 3rd was sworn in as Chief of the Ansonia Police Department today, taking over for Kevin Hale who retired after serving the City of Ansonia for 29 years, 18 as Chief. Chief Cota has been with the Ansonia Police Department for 27 years, working as a patrol officer, sergeant and lieutenant. 

"Chief Cota grew up in Derby, moved to Ansonia in 1993, resides in the city with his wife Denyse, and has two adult sons, Andrew 4th and Daniel. Chief Cota is following in his father, Andrew L. Cota Jr's law enforcement footsteps, Cota Jr. worked for the Derby Police Department for 34 years, 13 as Chief of Police. "Congratulations and best of luck Chief Cota."

Ansonia renames street in honor of police chief

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, second from left, joins Ansonia Police officers Tuesday, National Police Memorial Day, to unveil a new sign renaming Railroad Avenue in honor of Chief Daniel J. Hayes. 
Hayes was killed in the line of duty in December, 1880. 


*Stay tuned for more photos in an upcoming edition of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Retired police chief to discuss book at Derby Public Library

DERBY - Retired Derby Police Chief turned author Andrew L. Cota, Jr. will hold a book signing at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St.

Cota will discuss "Whitestone," a novel.

The public is invited to attend.

Cota's other book is "Through the Lens of an Old Man." He also drew the cover art for both books. 

Cota's love of art also includes wood carving, with his most notable work being the carving on the Sterling Opera House on Elizabeth Street.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.