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EASTON, Conn. After 45 years in law enforcement, former Easton Police Chief John Solomon is focusing on one thing: his retirement.
Let me tell you, when I retire, I really mean retire, Solomon said, whose last day was Dec. 31. I want to spend the rest of my days with my wife, Midge, and our five grandchildren."
It has been a long career for Solomon, who earned his first badge in 1966 while working with the State Police. He became a supervisor for the state attorneys office in 1973. It was there that he was named the lead investigator in the murder of teenage Martha Moxley in 1973 in Greenwich.
Solomon declined to comment extensively about the long-unresolved murder case, which finally came to an end in 1999 with the arrest and conviction of her neighbor, Michael Skakel. The problem with that case was that there was no physical evidence. When they made an arrest, I had a hard time thinking they would ever convict him, Solomon said.
But really all I will say about that case was that it was fascinating.
It was at the states attorneys office that he was introduced to renowned forensic expert, Dr. Henry Lee. I met Henry in 1975, and we have been dear friends ever since, Solomon said. He has a picture of the two of them together behind his desk at police headquarters.
He taught me so much about the science of a crime scene, and I am so very grateful for that, Solomon said.
Over the years, he has investigated thousands of cases, including murders, organized crime and narcotics. Although he loved his career there, Solomon said it was time for a change in the 1990s. I always enjoyed working with the smaller towns, and I thought that I could do a good job in Easton.
In the summer of 1995, his wish was granted and he was hired in Easton, something Solomon called "a life's goal."
Throughout his years in Easton, Solomon said he has seen a significant decrease in home burglaries; the implementation of the RU OK program, which works as a welfare check program for seniors; and a great community policing program called D.A.R.E., a youth drug-prevention program.
That is what I am most proud of in all my years, Solomon said.
He enjoyed his 16 years of working in town. I think I helped create a great relationship between the police and the people of Easton. Its a great feeling when I know that I can walk out of here holding my head with pride.
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