Commissioner
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)
Middletown, CT
Ronnell A. Higgins uniquely combines an executive leadership background spanning law enforcement, homeland security, academia, and professional training. He has served by appointment of Governor Ned Lamont as the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) since November 2023. In this role, he oversees and leads an agency of public servants totaling 950 troopers across 11 statewide troops and 550 civilians and public safety professionals—all dedicated to protecting and improving quality of life by providing a broad range of public safety services. Six fully accredited divisions comprise the agency: Connecticut State Police, Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Police Officers Standards and Training Council, Scientific Services, and Statewide Emergency Telecommunications. Prior to his appointment as Commissioner for the DESPP, Ronnell worked at Yale University for more than 27 years, most recently as Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Community Engagement. Earlier roles with Yale included Chief of Police, Director of Public Safety, and Assistant Chief of Police, providing visionary leadership and direction across all facets of public and campus safety programs at the University.
