August 26, 2014

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE OF CORRECTION COMMISSIONER JAMES DZURENDA

Deputy Commissioner of Operations and Rehabilitative Services Scott Semple to Become Acting Commissioner

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has accepted the resignation of the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Correction, James E. Dzurenda, effective Friday, August 29, 2014. After more than 27 years of state service, Commissioner Dzurenda has accepted the offer of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to become the First Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Department of Correction. In his new position, under the direction of New York City's Commissioner of Correction, Joseph Ponte, Dzurenda will oversee the jails in each of the five New York City boroughs, including Rikers Island, as part of his new duties.

"Crime is at historic lows in our state, and without a doubt Jim and the other hard-working professionals in the department are playing a critical role in that effort," said Governor Malloy. "With Jim's help, our state has implemented smarter laws that ensure violent offenders serve more time and get the treatment they need so that they are less likely to commit additional crimes when they're released. I want to thank him for his service, and I wish him well in this new role."

Dzurenda was appointed as Commissioner by Governor Malloy in November 2013 and was then confirmed unanimously by the State Senate during the 2014 Legislative Session.

"I am grateful to Governor Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Wyman for giving me the opportunity to run the state's largest agency," Dzurenda said. "Governor Malloy and his administration have been great supporters of the agency's vital mission of protecting the public."

Governor Malloy is appointing Deputy Commissioner Scott Semple to serve as Acting Commissioner of the agency. By appointing Semple, who has 26 years of correctional experience, Governor Malloy is confident that the agency will continue to operate safely and efficiently during this transitional period.

###

For Immediate Release: August 26, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy