West Hartford Police held a swearing-in and promotion ceremony on Feb. 12, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Police Department celebrated the promotion of Brian Delgrande to detective and welcomed new officers Daniel Deliz, Matthew Lagassey, and Jonathan Holmes at a ceremony in Town Council Chambers on Feb. 12 that was packed with family, friends, and other department members as well as town staff and officials.

“It really is very inspiring to see you all here,” said Mayor Shari Cantor, adding that she was so grateful to all who came out to welcome the new officers and celebrate the promotion.

“Public safety is the foundation of any community,” said Cantor, critical to the quality of life. But West Hartford is recognized as a special place not just by the people who live here, she said, “and a big reason for that is the investment that we have made in our people, and in public safety.”

The town is ranked No. 19 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, not just by chance, Cantor said. “It’s very intentional investments that are made by people in leadership. It’s picking leaders that are leaders not only in our state, but in our country, and how they recruit, and also how they train, and then manage their department. So you’re in phenomenal hands,” she told the new officers, referring to them as the “cream of the crop.”

Town Manager Rick Ledwith also thanked the families, friends, and colleagues, as well as members of the Town Council who attended the ceremony. “Moments like this are special, not only for the individuals being recognized, but for everyone who has supported them along the way,” he said.

“Det. Delgrande, your promotion reflects hard work, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our town. The title of detective carries with it not just responsibility but trust – trust that you will pursue the truth with integrity, diligence, and fairness,” Ledwith said.

He also welcomed the new officers. “Today marks the beginning of a career defined by service. You are stepping into a profession that demands courage, judgment, compassion, and resilience. You are also stepping into a department with a proud tradition and strong culture of professionalism,” Ledwith said. The West Hartford Police Department members and leadership exemplify what policing looks like – “community-oriented, accountable, compassionate, and highly professional” – and they ensure that town residents feel safe and supported, and comfortable walking through their neighborhoods and trusting that they can call for help if needed.

“Public safety is the foundation upon which everything else is built – strong schools, thriving businesses, and vibrant neighborhoods,” Ledwith said.

Chief Vernon Riddick said promoting Delgrande – who has been a K-9 officer – to detective is one of the highlights of his time in West Hartford, and an innovative move. “We haven’t had a K-9 assigned to the detective bureau,” he said, but Delgrande came to him with a plan and he agreed to give it a shot. “And I think it says a lot for our command staff that we just didn’t say no,” said Riddick, adding that he thinks it will be a “phenomenal program.”

Riddick also welcomed the new department members – Deliz and Lagassey who are brand new officers, as well as Holmes who has years of previous experience.

The chief said he was recently asked why he would want to be a police officer. “You have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, each and every day. Every day you’ll have similar calls, you’ll meet different people. And what’s often forgotten when we see a difference we make in someone’s life, you know, who else that difference can impact? You.” While interactions can be troubling, or rewarding, the job comes with the responsibility and obligation “to make the community safe, a positive burden to break down barriers that obstruct and try to impede the progress and teh safety of our citizens.”

Assistant Chief Larry Terra shared some background information about all four department members being honored.

Det. Delgrande has been a member of the West Hartford Police Department since 2013, serving in the Patrol Division, as a member of the Bike Squad, as a Field Training Officer, and as a member of the Emergency Services Unit. He became a K-9 officer with his partner, K-9 Lotti, in 2019.

Delgrande, who grew up in Torrington, CT, and served in the U.S. Army for five years, including a combat deployment to Iraq, was selected by his peers as Officer of the Year in 2022, Terra said.

His son, Cooper, with a bit of help from his wife, Kate, pinned him with his new badge after he was administered the oath of office by Cantor.

Deliz, who is from a law enforcement family that includes his uncle and grandfather. “Law enforcement was a profession consistently honored and respected in his household and that led to a strong personal interest of his at a young age,” Terra said.

Originally from Bridgeport, Deliz also lived in New Haven and then Newington. He’s a Newington High School graduate, has also taken courses at the National Academy of Sports Medicine and is interested in health, wellness, and coaching. Prior to joining the West Hartford Police Department, he worked in landscaping and customer service roles.

Lagassey is from a native of Plainville and a 2021 graduate of Plainville High School. He has an associate’s degree from Tunxis Community College and spent a year at the University of Saint Joseph where he played baseball, before earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central Connecticut State University.

“From a very young age, Matthew has wanted to be a police officer,” Terra said, and is grateful for the opportunity to work in West Hartford.

Holmes is an eight-year law enforcement veteran, and most recently was a member of the East Hartford Police Department. He also served in the Connecticut Air National Guard for 12 years, and has a background as an EMT.

He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in victim advocacy. “This unique background, paired with his medical and military experience, allows him to handle high-pressure scenes while ensuring those impacted by crime receive compassionate, informed support.”

Deliz and Lagassey began their training at the police academy, while Holmes entered the West Hartford Police’s field training program.

Cantor administered the oath of office to the new officers, and Riddick pinned them with their badges.

Lt. Amanda Martin served as emcee at the swearing-in ceremony, and Pastor Eric Peoples gave the invocation.

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