Commanding Officer Promoted At Southbury State Police Barracks

SOUTHBURY, CT — Christopher Bartolotta at Connecticut State Police Troop A in Southbury was one of 11 lieutenants to be promoted to captain this week, authorities announced.

James C. Rovella, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and Colonel Stavros Mellekas, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police, formally promoted the troopers Thursday during a socially distanced ceremony at State Police Headquarters in Middletown.

Captain Bartolotta will remain in his present assignment as Commanding Officer of Troop A in Southbury. According to officials, during his 31-year State Police career, Bartolotta has served in many positions including Burlington Resident Trooper, Training Academy Instructor, Commanding Officer of Western District Major Crime, and Commanding Officer of Traffic Services.

Additionally, Captain Bartolotta has earned the agency’s Medal for Bravery, Medal for Meritorious Service, Medal for Lifesaving, Medal for Outstanding Service, as well as several Unit Citations and awards from outside agencies and organizations.

He also has the distinction of being the first certified bicycle patrol officer in the state and the first certified Drug Recognition Expert.

Bartolotta is a graduate of the Leadership & Management program at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration Management & Leadership.