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Simsbury police promote Trevor Patel to sergeant
Summary
Simsbury Police Sergeant Trevor Patel was formally sworn in at a public ceremony where town and department leaders highlighted his 24 years of military service, decade with the department and role as a school resource officer.
TRE Trevor Patel was sworn in as a sergeant of the Simsbury Police Department at a public ceremony held at Simsbury Center. Police Chief Nick Bolter opened the event and said Patel emerged as the top candidate in a competitive promotional process that used a third‑party testing vendor and was approved by the police commission last month.
Town Manager Mark Nelson said the promotion illustrates the community’s investment in public safety: “Trevor, let me just say congratulations, and let’s give him a big round of applause before I talk anymore,” Nelson said, praising Patel’s service and the department’s role in keeping the town safe.
Police Commission Chair Tanisha Grant, who said she worked with Patel during his assignment at the high school, offered congratulations on behalf of the commission. Lieutenant Brad Chase, Patel’s patrol commander, framed the rank as a leadership responsibility: “Leadership is not defined by a title or set of stripes, but instead is built on character, consistency, and purpose,” Chase said, advising the new sergeant to listen first and set a steady tone.
Chief Bolter detailed Patel’s background in public safety. According to the chief, Patel served about 24 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of sergeant first class, worked nine years as a judicial marshal, and joined the Simsbury Police Department in July 2014. The chief listed assignments that include patrol, school resource officer at Simsbury High School, regional emergency services team, peer support team, field training officer, firearms instructor and armorer. Bolter also said Patel completed the Connecticut Police Officers Standards and Training Council academy and finished near the top of his class.
Patel, speaking to the audience, thanked the department and his family: “This promotion wouldn’t mean anything without you guys,” he said, and pledged to “do my best everyday to earn the trust that comes with these new stripes.” The chief then administered the oath and Patel’s wife pinned his badge before a benediction and a reception.
No formal votes or policy actions took place during the ceremony. The event concluded with photos, refreshments and a brief fundraising appeal by Simsbury Community Media.
