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Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love'

The longest-serving police chief in Connecticut history died last week at his home surrounded by his family, police in Hartford County said. 

Kevin C. Searles served as Windsor's police chief for 28 years, which is the longest tenure in state history. 

Kevin C. Searles served as Windsor's police chief for 28 years, which is the longest tenure in state history. 

Photo Credit: Canva/Osobystist

Former Windsor Police Chief Kevin C. Searles fought a long battle with dementia and died from the disease on Thursday, Nov. 7, his obituary said

Searles worked for the Plainville Police Department, rising to the rank of detective, before taking the top cop job in Windsor in 1987. He held the position for 28 years. 

He stepped down in December 2014 for medical reasons. 

His family said he became a police officer because of his "servant's heart."

Kevin’s life was defined by his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This led him to volunteer formally and informally with at-need students, prisoner reintegration and his church communities. His family will forever hold sweet memories of him enjoying nature and singing out loud,

His daughter Mary Searles Krusch posted a memorial on Facebook saying, "To know dad was to know love."

Searles leaves behind his wife, six children, and 10 grandchildren. 

His family will hold a Celebration of Life service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at The Lodge at 130 Deerfield Road in Windsor. A reception will follow the service. 

Click here to read Kevin C. Searles' obituary. 

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