Mayor David Chess

Stratford Announces Renee Dominguez as Police Chief Following National Search

STRATFORD, CT – Today, Mayor David Chess announced that Renee Dominguez has been selected as Stratford’s new Police Chief. Chief Dominguez will oversee a 112 sworn officer department and help guide the future of public safety and community policing in the town of more than 52,000 residents and will also be the first female police chief in Stratford’s history. “I am thrilled to appoint Renee Dominguez as our next Police Chief,” said Mayor Chess. She brings over 25 years of valuable experience serving in three police departments across Connecticut, where she rose through the ranks and became a respected leader with deep knowledge of law enforcement. She is fully prepared to lead the dedicated men and women who serve and…

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STRATFORD LAUNCHES SCHOOL BUS SAFETY PROGRAM TO PROTECT STUDENTS AT BUS STOPS

Warning Period Begins this Week In a joint effort to enhance student safety and address the growing issue of illegal school bus passings, the Town of Stratford and Stratford Public Schools are launching a new school bus stop-arm safety program. “Ensuring the safety of our students is our number one priority - nothing is more important,” said Stratford Mayor David Chess. “This initiative aims to change drivers’ behavior to protect children as they travel to and from school each day.” Starting this week, the Town’s warning period will begin, when 63 buses in the Stratford bus fleet will be equipped with advanced stop-arm safety technology to detect vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus. The warning period will run…

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Stratford Launches National Search for Next Police Chief, Announces Community-Based Search Committee

January 29, 2026 – Stratford, Conn. – Mayor David Chess today announced the formation of a Police Chief Search Committee to lead a national search for Stratford’s next chief of police, a role that will oversee a 112‑sworn officer department and help guide the future of public safety and community policing in the town of more than 52,000 residents. “The Stratford Police Department has served this community for more than a century, and we are at a critical moment,” said Mayor Chess. “We need a chief who is respected by officers, trusted by residents, and committed to modern, community-centered policing. This committee brings together deep policing expertise, community voices, and faith and civic leadership to help us find that person.” Role…

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