Former Hartford police chief and state public safety commissioner Bernie Sullivan has died at the age of 78.
During his career in law enforcement and state government he also served as acting chief of the Central Connecticut State University police department and as chief of staff to former House Speakers Tom Ritter and Moira Lyons.
Sullivan grew up in Hartford and started his career as a patrolman with the Hartford department. He was straight-forward with the news media and most people he dealt with throughout his career.
During one news conference as chief, reporters were pressing him on details of a case that was in the early stages of investigation. Eventually Sullivan grew exasperated with the persistent questioning and said, “Look, I’m not playing hide the weenie here,” we just don’t know yet.
Governor Lamont and current Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin were among those in politics and state government who issued statements following the news of Sullivan’s death.
