Bristol Police Department Deputy Chief Steven Contente retired on Sept. 11, capping a 20-year career that began in the patrol division and ended on the command staff. He described his job as a privilege that was sometimes difficult but always rewarding.

"He put in 20 years of honorable service, made a decision that he wanted to change paths. I wish he hadn't," said Chief Josue D. Canario.

“He was an outstanding officer. He did a great job in the position. He was family here. I wish him and his family the best of luck in future endeavors,” Chief Canario said.

That the chief is quick with praise is helpful, since Mr. Contente is loathe to speak about himself. He copped to welling up with tears in 2012 when he was sworn in as deputy chief. He points to his father as his inspiration to serve – Ilidio Contente started his career as a math teacher before becoming Bristol Superintendent of Schools. He said it was an honor to work with police officers and citizens who all have the same vested interest in keeping Bristol safe.

Looking back on his 20 years on the job, Mr. Contente mentions his colleagues and the public in the same breath. Police work often puts officers and citizens at odds, but it doesn't have to be ugly. When things went sideways — in the inevitable times when the department or an officer made a mistake — Mr. Contente found a public willing to forgive.

"People in the public were more tolerant to a mistake than I thought they would be. No one expects anyone to be perfect. The public understands it's not an easy business and gives officers a lot of credit. If you treat people fairly I think it pays off," he said.

"The nice thing about working in Bristol is we all had the same common values. Whether it be security at the Fourth of July Parade or maintaining the quality of the parks. It's not a police department where the guys are just checking in, doing their shift and leaving. We try to instill that feeling that you're vested in this. This needs to succeed."

Mr. Contente began his career as a patrolman driving the venerable Ford Crown Victoria, a vehicle he spoke of fondly for its comfort and wild handling. The front seat was a bench beck then. No computer. No technology crowding the cockpit. Today's police vehicles are 4-wheeled offices. But the things that truly matter to a lawman haven't changed — pride and people.

"One of the best parts of the job is the people you work with. Always. You've been through a  lot together, seeing the same things, experiencing some of those same things," he said.

"It wasn't always pleasant. A good supervisor has to be stern at times. At the same time I think discipline, if it's handed out fairly, is accepted honorably. It was a privilege being a policeman in Bristol. I had, and I still have, a vested interest in the success of the department. This is my hometown. My family and friends are here. The last thing I would have wanted to see was the town be embarrassed by the department."

His new beat

Retired at age 43, Mr. Contente plans to restart his remodeling business. He might have time to catch up on "Barney Miller" reruns, one of his favorite TV cops shows, and he'll certainly be able to spend more time with his young family.

Mr. Contente retired with a $52,467 pension under the town's old pension plan. That's about 60 percent of his pensionable wages (an average of his prior consecutive 24 months).

"We have two active employees remaining in the plan and 42 retirees," said Bristol Treasurer Julie Goucher. "The plan was closed in 1998."

The new plan, MERS, offers benefits at an accrual of 2 percent per year for up to 20 years, and then 1 percent per year for each year thereafter to a maximum of 10 years.

Chief Canario said he is not actively looking for a replacement right now, which will likely come from within the ranks of the department. Patrolman Mark Remington, a 13-year veteran of the department, resigned on Friday, Sept. 25. The chief is looking to hire new officers in 2016.

"Sometimes it takes a while to make a promotion. We’re shorthanded right now,” he said.