State Rep. Joe Verrengia Named Vice Chair of Public Safety Committee

State Rep. Joe Verrengia (D-West Hartford) has been selected by House Speaker-designate Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) to serve as vice chairman of the Public Safety and Security Committee. The new General Assembly session begins on Jan. 9, 2013.

“I believe my 23 years of experience as a police officer gives me the necessary qualifications to serve effectively as vice chairman of Public Safety,” said Rep. Verrengia. "It's a natural fit. I understand first-hand the seriousness of the issues which will come before the committee."

"The Public Safety and Security Committee will play a critical role this year as we look for ways to reduce gun violence and make our state a safer place for everyone, and I'm confident Rep. Verrengia is up to the challenge," said Speaker Sharkey. "Joe brings a wide spectrum of knowledge to each of his committee assignments and I look forward to working with him."

The Public Safety and Security Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to homeland security, the Department of Public Safety, including state police, state organized task force on crime, municipal police training, fire marshals, the fire safety code and the state building code, civil preparedness and legalized gambling, and military and veterans' affairs, except veterans' pensions. 

"I'm honored to have been chosen in only my second term to serve as Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee," said Rep. Verrengia.

Rep. Verrengia will also serve on the Judiciary Committee and the Transportation Committee.

Submitted by the Office of Rep. Verrengia