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Command Staff
Chief of Police Jeffry W. Cossette
Chief Cossette began his career as a Patrol Officer. He was selected as one of the Department's K-9 handlers early in his career and later joined the Accident Reconstruction Team. Chief Cossette was promoted to Detective and worked in the Detective Bureau for a short time before being promoted to Sergeant. As a Patrol Sergeant, he worked as a first line supervisor on a Patrol Squad. He was then assigned as the Records Division Commander where he was promoted to Lieutenant. Chief Cossette was instrumental in getting Police Mountain Bikes and equipment for the Department in the early 1990's. Since that time, the Department has trained over 30 bike patrol officers. Chief Cossette was selected as Deputy Chief of Police in 2002 and later appointed Chief of Police in 2005. Chief Cossette has a degree in Criminal Justice from the Unversity of New Haven and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. He has numerous certificates in leadership, management and public agency grants management. Chief Cossette is a member of the Connecticut Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Meriden Daffodil Committee. During his tenure, several pro-active law enforcement programs were brought to the City of Meriden including the Neighborhood Initiative Program, the Crime Suppression Unit, the Traffic Unit, the PST Program, and participation the the Statewide Narcotics Task Force and D.E.A. Task Force. Chief Cossette can be reached at (203) 630-6300.
Deputy Chief Timothy Topulos
Deputy Chief Topulos began his law enforcement career with the East Haven Police Department. A short time later, he transferred to the Meriden Police Department where he was assigned as a Patrol Officer. Deputy Chief Topulos worked as Patrol Officer for the next eleven years while completing Bachelor's and Master's degrees with the University of New Haven. He was assigned as the department's Training Officer where he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant. Deputy Chief Topulos worked as the department's Training Officer and Internal Affairs officer while serving as a Patrol Sergeant. In 2002 he was promoted to Patrol Lieutenant and assigned to the 3rd Watch (3-11 shift). In 2005 he was promoted to Captain and assigned to command the Police Operations Division. In July 2008, he was promoted to Deputy Chief where he is the second in command of the department. Deputy Chief Topulos holds a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. He has numerous department awards and citations and is a driving force in our Neighborhood Initiative program. Deputy Chief Topulos is a member of the International Assocation of Chiefs of Police, the Connecticut Chiefs of Police, and the Meriden Triad program. Deputy Chief Topulos can be reached at (203) 630-6307.
Captain Donald Parker
Captain Parker began his law enforcement career with the Newtown Police Department. He then transferred to the Meriden Police Department where he was assigned as a Patrol Officer. Captain Parker worked as a Patrol Officer until his promotion to Sergeant. He served the department as a patrol squad supervisor, Training Division supervisor, Records Division supervisor, and Community Police Supervisor. As a Lieutenant, he served as the commander of the Community Police Division and Watch Commander for the 2nd Watch. He was promoted to Captain in 2005 and currently serves as the commander of the Administrative Services Division. Captain Parker is the coordinator for our Gang Intelligence Group, the state director for the Gang Officer's Association. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Connecticut Chiefs of Police. He has overseen major expansion projects within the department including the Community Police Division, the fleet management program, bicycle patrol program, radio rebanding and radio system upgrade, and grants management. Captain Parker holds a Master's degree in Public Administration and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. He has numerous department awards and citations. Captain Parker can be reached at (203) 630-6309.
Captain Michael Zakrzewski
Captain Michael Zakrzewski is the Commander of Police Operations. This Division has responsibilities for Patrol, Neighborhood Initiative and School Resource Officers, Animal Control, Traffic Unit, Traffic Investigation, SWAT and Hostage Negotiations. This Division encompasses the aspects of law enforcement that are most visible to the public. Police Operations is responsible for providing rapid response to emergencies, comprehensive initial investigation on all criminal matters, community service and assistance to the general public, and traffic safety. This is the largest Division in the Meriden Police Department with over 100 sworn and non-sworn employees.
Captain Zakrzewski has served the City of Meriden for over 24 years, beginning his service as an auxiliary officer and then as a Patrol Officer. As a Patrol Officer he became interested in Accident Investigation and Reconstruction. He was certified as an Accident Reconstructionist and a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 1996 and Patrol Lieutenant in 2002. He has served as the commander of the Accident Investigation Unit, Reserve Officer Program, Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team, and ATV Off-Road Enforcement Team. As a Lieutenant, he served as the Executive Officer of Police Operations and worked diligently to make enhance our relationship with the citizens we serve though the Neighborhood Initiative Program. Captain Zakrzewski is a POSTC certified instructor in Accident Investigation and Motor Vehicle Law. He has received a number of department citations and awards and also serves on the department's Awards Board. Captain Zakrzewski can be reached at mzakrzewski@ci.meriden.ct.us or (203) 630-6298.
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