West Hartford Police Celebrate Lieutenant and Sergeant Promotions – We-Ha

Two members of the West Hartford Police Department were honored at a promotion ceremony on July 19, 2024.

Lt. Amanda Martin is pinned down by her wife and children. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Captain Daniel Moffo was the master of ceremonies for the West Hartford Police Department’s promotion ceremony on Friday. He took on the role because the person who had served in that position for the past several years was instead in the audience, preparing to be one of the guests of honor.

On July 19, family, friends and colleagues celebrated the promotions of Lieutenant Amanda Martinwho, as the department’s information officer, is traditionally the master of ceremonies for swearing-in and promotion ceremonies, and Sergeant William Norton.

City Manager Rick Ledwith administers the oath to Sgt. Bill Norton. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Born and raised in Rowley, Massachusetts, Martin graduated from Triton Regional High School in 2005 and from the University of Connecticut in 2010, where she was awarded a scholarship to run track and softball. She was co-captain of the track team for two years and earned a bachelor’s degree in nutritional science.

Asst. Chief Larry Terra, who shared biographical information about both honorees, noted that Martin began her career in public service when she was hired by the West Hartford Police Department in August 2010 and was selected as a class sergeant at the police academy.

Martin served in the Patrol Division for seven years and became a Field Training Officer. She has earned unit citations, a merit award, and a lifesaving award. She is also a certified bicycle patrol officer, use of force instructor, body camera instructor, POST training accreditation evaluator, physical fitness assessment examiner, member of the Honor Guard and PEER Support Team, and leads the Crisis Negotiation Team. She is also a graduate of Capitol Region SWAT School.

Lieutenant Amanda Martin. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Martin served as Conard High School’s resource officer from May 2017 through November 2020. During that time, she was promoted to sergeant. Conard staff members attended a ceremony Friday to honor her.

Since her promotion, Martin has served as an administrative sergeant and has led the Community Relations Division, including the role of public information officer. She was selected by her peers as the Exchange Club’s 2023 Police Officer of the Year.

Sgt. Bill Norton. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Norton has lived in West Hartford since he was 7 and attended Duffy Elementary School, Sedgwick Middle School and is a graduate of Conard High School. He earned his Eagle Scout rank and was a member of the West Hartford Police Explorer Program.

Norton began his career in public safety in 2000 with the New Britain Fire Department. After three years as a firefighter, he joined the South Windsor (CT) Police Department. He served in the patrol division for two and a half years and received two life-saving awards, including one for resuscitating an unconscious firefighter at a house fire. In May 2006, he returned to his hometown to join the West Hartford Police Department.

His career in West Hartford includes serving in the Patrol Division, Detective Division, Traffic Division, and as a beat officer, SWAT team member, Field Training Officer, and in the Training Division where he instructed in CPR and medical patient care. Norton, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, also holds an associate degree in nursing and is currently working toward completing his bachelor’s degree in nursing.

In West Hartford, Norton also received two citations (for helping arrest a murder suspect and two home invasion suspects), a Meritorious Service Award, and a Rescue Squad Award from the West Hartford Fire Department for helping revive a tennis player who had collapsed.

City Manager Rick Ledwith. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

City Manager Rick Ledwith said he asked Chief Vernon Riddick after a promotion ceremony a few weeks ago, “When is Amanda (Martin) going to take the next step in her leadership career?” Riddick laughed, he said, and replied, “Soon.”

“I know I can speak on behalf of all of our city colleagues… our city council, our school board and our community – we couldn’t be happier and prouder of Lt. Martin for taking this next step in her career,” Ledwith said.

Ledwith said he has known Norton for a long time and has worked with him on three contracts, and “I have known for years that you should fill this role, and we are equally pleased to have you take this next step in your leadership career at West Hartford,” he said.

“Strong leadership is critical to meeting the public safety needs of our city,” Ledwith said. “It’s not necessarily about the title, it’s about setting an example, leading others with integrity and making decisions that uphold the values ​​and mission of our department.” Ledwith said both Martin and Norton are ready to take on that role.

Chief Vernon Riddick. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Riddick quoted speaker Tim Grover: “Everything is easier when you stop expecting it to be easy. … When you’re good you learn, when you’re great you understand, when you’re unstoppable you’re a master.”

Both Martin and Norton, he said, have decided to sacrifice their personal schedules for these new roles, which require them to rotate, for the betterment of the organization.

He expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to both of them for making that decision and for bringing their knowledge and expertise to new positions, making sacrifices to help the department, noting, “We will strive for mastery. Success is never final and we will never stop trying to become better.”

Ledwith administered the oath and Martin was pinned down by her young daughter, her wife and her son, while Norton was pinned down by his girlfriend.

Pastor Eric Peoples gave the invocation.

Sgt. Bill Norton (left) and Lt. Amanda Martin. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Asst. Chief Larry Terra shares the biographies of the two department members who were promoted. West Hartford Police Department Promotional Ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo Credit: Ronni Newton

City Manager Rick Ledwith administers the oath to Lt. Amanda Martin. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Lt. Amanda Martin gives her daughter a high-five after she is pinned down. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony, July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sgt. Bill Norton is pinned down by his girlfriend. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Capt. Daniel Moffo served as master of ceremonies. West Hartford Police Department promotion ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police Department Promotion Ceremony. July 19, 2025. Photo Credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police held a promotion ceremony on July 19, 2024. From left: Town Manager Rick Ledwith, Asst. Chief Rob Riccobon, Asst. Chief Larry Terra, Lt. Amanda Martin, Sgt. Bill Norton, Pastor Eric Peoples, Chief Vernon Riddick. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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