After conferring with the incoming DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Commissioner James C. Rovella today appointed Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Loughman as Interim Colonel of the Connecticut State Police, effective November 1, 2023. Interim Colonel Loughman succeeds Colonel Stavros Mellekas, who retired today following nearly three decades with the State Police.
“For the last three decades, Colonel Mellekas has provided dedicated and loyal service to the
Connecticut State Police and the people of our state,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “His commitment to public safety is to be applauded, and on behalf of the residents of Connecticut I thank him for his service and the many sacrifices he has made over the years to protect our communities.”
Interim Colonel Loughman has served as a Trooper for nearly 18 years. In his most recent assignment, he
was the Commanding Officer of the Office of Professional Standards and Training. A member of the CSP
command staff for more than seven years, he was previously appointed to the Labor Relations Unit and was the Commanding Officer of various Troops in the Central and Western Districts.
Colonel Loughman recently graduated from the FBI National Academy- Session #287. He holds a
Bachelor’s Degree from the State University of New York – Oneonta and a graduate certificate from the
University of Virginia in Criminal Justice Education. He has earned the agency’s Medal for Outstanding
Service.
“I thank DESPP Commissioner Rovella and incoming DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins for the
opportunity to further serve the state of Connecticut. As Troopers, our first priority is public safety and during my interim tenure, I will continue to work alongside all Connecticut State Troopers to ensure that safety, trust, and integrity are maintained,” noted Interim Colonel Loughman. “Since 1903, the men and women of the
Connecticut State Police have served with pride and reliability. I am honored to lead this agency.”
“During my entire career, I have worked with and learned a great deal from Colonel Stavros Mellekas.
On behalf of the State Police, I thank him for his many years of service and wish him the very best in his
retirement,” Interim Colonel Loughman said.
The Connecticut State Police has 904 sworn members who patrol thousands of miles of highway & state
roads and serve in numerous specialized units.