Kenneth Rosa took the oath of office as Fort Madison’s new Police Chief Monday morning. Two days later, the city named his successor.
City Manager David Varley said Rosa informed him Tuesday night by phone that he needed to return to East Hartford, Conn. for a “family situation.” Rosa worked for the police department there for more than 25 years before accepting the job in Fort Madison.
“It’s not something that [Rosa] expected to happen,” said Varley. “It’s not something he wanted to do but he felt he had an obligation. It is an unfortunate circumstance, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors”
In response, the city promoted Capt. Todd Shields to Police Chief.
Varley said Shields performed very well during the selection process that led to Rosa’s hiring.
“I believe that Todd is the right person for the job now and I look forward to working with him as we continue to move the department forward,” said Varley. “Chief Shields has my full support and I’m sure he will be a great asset to the department as well as the community.”
Shields joined the Fort Madison Police Department in 1993. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army Reserves.
