Canton Police Honor 2 Retiring Dispatchers

CANTON, CT — The Canton Police Department is recognizing the retirements of two longtime part-time public safety dispatchers whose combined public safety careers span more than 70 years.

Dispatcher Randy Chesanek and Dispatcher Peter Getz were honored July 18 by the department for their years of service and contributions to the department and the community.

Chesanek joined the CPD as a full-time dispatcher in July 1995 before transitioning to a part-time role in 1998 while pursuing a career with the Torrington Fire Department, where he currently serves as deputy chief.

In addition to his work in Torrington, Chesanek volunteered with the Simsbury Fire Department for more than 30 years, rising through the ranks to become assistant fire chief before retiring from the department.

The CPD said Chesanek's decades of service reflected "the very best of public service," citing his professionalism, dedication and calm presence while serving multiple communities.

Getz joined the Canton Police Department in December 2009 after retiring from the Hartford Police Department following a 21-year career that concluded at the rank of detective.

Since joining Canton, Getz has continued his public safety career as a part-time dispatcher while also serving as a certified instructor for both the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POSTC) Academy and the Hartford Police Academy.

The department noted that Getz also serves on the Canton Juvenile Review Board and is a board member of the Hartford Police Action League (PAL), where he mentors young people.

Together, Chesanek and Getz brought more than 70 years of combined public safety and law enforcement experience to the Canton Police Department.

"Their knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help others have made a lasting impact on our department, our officers, and the community we serve," the department said in announcing their retirements. "Their voices have been a reassuring presence behind the radio, and their experience has been invaluable."

The department thanked both dispatchers for their years of dedicated service and wished them a happy and well-deserved retirement.