Vernon Native John Kelley Named Town's Next Chief Of Police

VERNON, CT — John Kelley, a Vernon native who rose steadily through the ranks of the Vernon Police Department in his 25 years on the job, was named the department's next chief Tuesday.

The Vernon Town Council at a special meeting approved Mayor Daniel Champagne’s appointment of Kelley, who is the department's captain. That is, until he assumes the role of chief on July 9.

Champagne selected Kelley after an extensive review and interview process. He will take over for James Kenny, who is retiring after 40 years in law enforcement, the last 15 as chief in Vernon.

“Vernon has a long tradition of excellence in its police department and it was important to find a candidate who would continue and build on that legacy,” said Champagne, who retired as a sergeant at the VDP. "I am confident Captain Kelley is the right person to do that."

Kelley has served as second in command of the Vernon Police Department for the past six years. Before that, he served as a sergeant and lieutenant and managed patrol officers and detectives and oversaw investigations into serious incidents.

As captain, he has overseen daily operations at the police department and handled internal investigations and labor complaints. He also assumed command and coordinated major incidents in the chief’s absence, and worked with the chief on budgets.

Kelley joined the police department in 1996.

"In Vernon, we expect town departments and their leaders to provide a high level of community engagement and service to our residents," Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "I look forward to working with John in his new capacity as chief, and to the contributions he will make to protect and serve our community."

Kelley grew up in Vernon and graduated from Rockville High School. At the University of Connecticut, he earned degrees in sociology and criminal justice cum laude.

Kelley is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has continued to receive advanced training. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, having attained the rank of sergeant.

Kelley also put in several hours at the town's coronavirus vaccine call center, where he was a calming influence on calls with frightened and confused residents.

"It's a great honor to be selected as Vernon’s next police chief," Kelley said. "I have always been proud to be a Vernon police officer and look forward to leading a group of professionals who have devoted their lives to serving and protecting this wonderful community."

Kelley is part of a family tradition of service to Vernon. His father, Robert E. Kelley, served as Vernon's fire chief for 21 years and was a firefighter for 42 years.

Kelley is married and has two daughters.