It was a first for Fairfield in nearly 20 years, and the ceremony had plenty of humor

Then Maynard thanked his mentor and friend who served as the city’s top cop for 19 years.

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“He certainly played an instrumental role in the success of the police department, but also in my success,” said Maynard, who was hired on June 21, 1999 — the same day Dickey was hired as police chief. “He’s been a great mentor. He’s done everything in his power to get me ready to take his place, and I’m certainly appreciative of that.”

Maynard then talked about how important friends and family are to any police officer, and singled out his wife, Ashley, thanking her for her patience and support as he took the steps in order to become a police chief.

“I wouldn’t be up here today without the support of my family, my friends, and my colleagues, my fellow officers. But I do need to take the opportunity to single someone out, and that’s my wife Ashley,” he said. “It’s not easy being married to a police officer; it’s not easy being married me, let’s be honest. But it’s not easy being married to a police officer. Many long nights, weekends, holidays, especially one that’s had the goals and aspirations that I have. She’s been 100 percent support of me.”

LISTEN: Hear Fairfield Police Chief Steve Maynard address City Council after being sworn in

But Maynard is ready for the next step leading the Fairfield Police Department and is committed to continuing the “level of service and professionalism that this city certainly deserves, and has come to expect.”

“It’s certainly an honor and a privilege to lead such an important organization in the city,” Maynard said. “I look forward to building on the successes of Chief Dickey, and taking our department to the next level.”

And along side his fellow officers and the department’s support staff — “some of the finest men and women I’ve come to serve with,” Maynard said — “I have no doubt with their support we’re going to do some incredible things.”

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