Markeshia Ricks Photo
Alder Delphine Clyburn with Sharp at the meeting.
Lt. Herb Sharp has been the face of community policing in Newhallville for nearly three years as its district commander.
The job doesn’t always garner him a lot of thanks. This week it did.
Sharp, manager of the Newhallvilel and East Rock policing district, was honored for his service to the community by the Newhallville Management Team at its Tuesday meeting.
Arriving at the meeting with his two young sons in tow, Sharp saw his name on the agenda. When his name was called, he asked: “Would you like me to give the report first?”
The team assured him that his only job at the meeting that evening was come to the front to be recognized.
Two of his rookie officers — Marco A. Correa and Bleck Joseph — were in attendance. So was Chief Dean Esserman, to Sharp’s surprise.
Management team co-chair Kenneth Cousar (at left in photo) said called Sharp “outstanding.”
“He has been consistent and whole-hearted in giving his talents and skills to our community,” Cousar said. “Things aren’t perfect, but because of Lt. Sharp, we live in a safer environment in our community.”
Esserman (at right in photo) said he trusts Sharp as the face of the department in the neighborhood “from midnight to the middle of the day.” He thanked the neighbors for honoring “one of New Haven’s finest officers.”
Sharp said he couldn’t accept such accolades. Not unless the community accepted them with him.
“Nothing I do could be accomplished without you,” he said. Sharp said the police department could have all the resources it needed to fight crime, but without having a partnership with the community, they wouldn’t matter.
“We are having a good year,” he said. “We are having a really good year and I thank all of you for that. Whenever you need me, I’m here.”
