On a night when the Enfield Police Department Communications Division received an award for outstanding service, the law enforcement agency was stunned by news of the sudden passing of the man who was instrumental in the establishment and operation of that unit.
Officer Robert Chadderton, who served the town of Enfield for more than 40 years, died Friday night of a heart attack, according to his son-in-law, Dan Post.
Chadderton retired in June 2011 as the holder of Badge 1, possessed by the officer with the longest current tenure.
He began his career in Dec. 1968, and served 42 and a half years on the force, including 37 years full-time.
In the years prior to his retirement, Chadderton oversaw the communications center, implementing many of the communication systems currently in use.
Friends and colleagues were stunned by the news of Chadderton's passing.
"I have known Bob for more than 40 years and worked with him for most of them," retired deputy police chief Anjo Timmerman wrote in an email to Enfield Patch. "When Bob started with the auxiliary police, all he ever wanted was to get hired in Enfield as a police officer, it couldn’t happen fast enough for him. Bob loved being a police officer, he was dedicated to the job and always gave 110% to whatever he got involved in. As the years went on, the only thing that ever competed with that was his family and golf. At times I wasn’t sure which one came first, family or golf. But when his grandchildren came into his life, I never wondered about that again. He is certainly going to be missed."
"In February 1980, Bobby was the one who called me to tell me that I was number one of five candidates to be appointed to the Enfield Police Department," retired Lt. Patrick Droney wrote on his Facebook page. "That telephone call changed my life in so many ways. He was just a tremendous individual with a great sense of humor.... truly one of the good guys. I'm just speechless right now."
Longtime officer Joe Lorenzetti wrote, "I just don't have the right words right now..... He was my buddy for 20+...... To his family, my heartfelt sympathies for their loss."
"It's truly a shock for all of us here at the station right now," Sgt. Doug Montas wrote.
Retired officer John Ludemann penned, "Bobby was so much of a driving force of so many good things he made happen at EPD. He was a great guy that will be missed by many."
"I was saddened beyond belief when the PD called this morning to tell me of Bobby's passing," dispatcher Dean Bauer wrote. "He was more than a co-worker, he was my friend. My heart goes out to his wife Karen, his daughter Kristen, and all his gradchildren that he loved so very much. I will miss you 223!"
Chadderton's passions included golf and traveling with his wife, Karen. In a recent article on Enfield Patch concerning photos with celebrities, Chadderton uploaded a picture of his wife with TV star David Caruso, and another of the couple with LPGA star Morgan Pressel.
Funeral arrangements were still pending at publication time.