Shelton names new police chief

Chris Kostad, who has worked for the Shelton Police Department since 2002, will become the city’s new police chief in November.

The city last week announced Kostad will replace Carole Beason, who recently announced her intention to retire. She has been in that position since January 2021.

Kostad is a captain, a position he has had since 2021. He has also been a corporal, sergeant and lieutenant in the department. A news release from the city states that as captain, Kostad manages the department’s

daily operations, including hiring, staffing and training for all department employees. He is also the department’s accreditation manager and coordinator of this year’s re-accreditation process.

“It is a true honor to become police chief after 18 years of service with the City of Shelton,” Kostad said in the news release. “I look forward to continuing to provide excellent police service to the community and provide a safe environment for everyone to life, work and play.”

“I am ecstatic that Chris Kostad will be the next police chief!” Beason wrote in an email to the Journal. “Chris is an exceptional leader who has been a member of this organization for the past 18 years. Unlike an external candidate, Chris will be able to ‘hit the ground running’ because he knows this department and this community better than anyone. He’s served as our WASPC accreditation manager for most of my tenure as chief and he’s done an outstanding job making sure we meet all the accreditation standards since he took over. I have no doubt Chris will be an exceptional police chief. I retire knowing the police department is in very good hands.”

“Captain Kostad is a thoughtful goal-setter and a true professional,” City Manager Mark Ziegler said in the news release. “His knowledge and experience, combined with his commitment to implementing best practices, make him a great fit for this position.”