Capitol Police Chief Michael Fallon, 47, died early Friday after a courageous battle with cancer.
Fallon, who served for 23 years with the Hartford Police Department before being named in Dec. 2006 as Chief of the State Capitol Police, was remembered by lawmakers Friday as the consummate professional.
“Connecticut State Capitol Police Chief Michael Fallon was an outstanding police officer, leader and person,” Rep. Michael Lawlor, D-East Haven, said Friday. “He was among the most professional law enforcement officers I have ever worked with. His loss to those who work at the State Capitol complex in Hartford cannot be overstated.”
“He just gave you a sense of security and calm,” House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, said Friday. “He was phenomenal.”
“Chief Fallon was a good and decent man, who was an incredible role model for law enforcement officers at the state and local level,” Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in a statement Friday. “He dearly loved his family and had a passion for his job and his officers. His loss will be felt by many and for many years. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
“Chief Fallon loved his job here, and he loved the people who work here. We loved him as well,” House Speaker Chris Donovan and Majority Leader Denise Merrill, said.
Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez said Fallon’s passing means “we have lost another Son of Hartford.”
“Mike comes from a family of law enforcement so commitment and compassion were in his blood,” Perez said. “We have lost a leader but more importantly we have lost a friend.”
Born and raised in Hartford, Fallon graduated from South Catholic High School in Hartford’s South End, and began his law enforcement career as a teenager when he joined the Hartford Police department’s Police Explorer Program. He is the recipient of three Distinguished Service Awards, four Merit Awards, five Exemplary Service Awards, and a Chief’s Letter of Commendation.
Funeral arrangements are still unknown at this time.