Arthur Kureczka - Emeritus Faculty
The Criminology & Criminal Justice Department was deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Art Kureczka, on August 4, 2023 (Obituary).
After retiring from the Wethersfield Police Department, Art served as a full-time lecturer at Central from 2001-2003 before moving on to develop and lead the Criminal Justice program at Capital Community College. He continued to serve as an adjunct professor in our department at Central, sharing his expertise in law enforcement and crisis debriefing with hundreds of students. During his initial time with our department, he served as co-director of our Field Studies program and contributed to much of the structure and content that still exists today. He also played a significant role in strengthening transfer agreements between the community colleges and the CSUs, serving on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board and Transfer Articulation Program workgroup. Art always filled the room with a positive energy, a great laugh, and a sincere smile; his impact will continue to live on through generations of students and colleagues who had the privilege to know him. In addition to his legacy in the criminal justice field and our department, he was a cherished friend – the kind you can text at any time for advice, to share the highs and lows of life, or even to vent about the ever-elusive work-life balance. He always made you feel better after a chat; his uplifting outlook was what compelled his friends and his students to want to be in his company. Moreover, he was someone you could count on to do and say the right thing and it was always with other people’s needs in mind. Although Art had many talents, his availability and desire to help others including colleagues, students, new instructors, police officers, the community, the university/college system, and many more was most notable. His energy, his laugh, and his smile will be deeply missed.
TFC Aaron Pelletier, '11
We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, a Central alumnus and 2011 cum laude graduate of the Criminology program. TFC Pelletier served in the Connecticut State Police for almost a decade with honor and integrity. He was tragically killed in the line of duty on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
TFC Pelletier is remembered by the Criminology faculty as a dedicated and exemplary student. By all accounts, he embodied the service ethos and nobility of the law enforcement profession. TFC Pelletier will forever be remembered for his commitment to the well-being of the community and valor in the line of duty.
Our sincere condolences go out to TFC Pelletier’s family, friends, colleagues, the Connecticut State Police, and the law enforcement community. TFC Pelletier’s ultimate sacrifice and unwavering service will never be forgotten, and he will always be part of the Central family.
Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte, '10
On Feb. 1, 2024, the leadership team at Central Connecticut State University honored alumnus Dustin DeMonte, a lieutenant with the Bristol Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 12, 2022.
New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, who holds a seat on the CSCU Board of Regents, conferred a Master of Science in Criminology to Demonte’s wife, Laura. DeMonte earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Central in 2010 and went on to a distinguished career in law enforcement.
Lieutenant DeMonte served with the Bristol Police Department for 10 years. He excelled as an officer of the law and, like any good student, he shared what he learned with those who could benefit from it most: young people in Bristol in the police explorers’ program and students in the Bristol schools where he served as a school resource officer.
In her remarks at the conferral, President Toro said, “Lieutenant DeMonte exemplifies our highest hopes for our graduates. Using the knowledge he acquired at Central, he pursued a career that keeps communities safer; brings closure to victims of injustice; and offers comfort to those in need of protection. Awarding this posthumous degree is a tribute to Lieutenant Demonte and all he accomplished.”