Bethencourt:  "... a foundation of honor, integrity and commitment"

MIDDLETOWN – Ramon Bethencourt, a cop with more than 20 years on the beat, is Middletown’s new permanent police chief. He has been serving as acting chief for the last several weeks, but took the oath of office on Monday evening.

Bethencourt, who is Orange County’s first African-American police chief, said he looks forward to taking over the reins of the 75 member force.

“Like every chief before me, I bring to the position my own style of leadership, a style of leadership that is built on a foundation of honor, integrity and commitment,” he told a packed common council chamber. “I also bring with me a sense of community, which I feel is needed in the changing world we live in.”

Bethencourt, who will earn $135,000 a year, has a two year financial contract.

The chief also presented badges to newly promoted lieutenants, Sergeants Francis Graziano, John Ewanciw and George Booth; and to newly promoted sergeants, Officers Jeffrey Thoelen, Aaron Welch and Essam Khalil.