Governor Rell: Motor Vehicles Commissioner

Takes Medical Leave

            Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that Motor Vehicles Commissioner Robert M. Ward is taking a medical leave for a kidney transplant that will be performed on Wednesday, March 11.

The Commissioner, who has managed issues associated with kidney disease for the last 20 months, is expected to have about an eight-week recuperation following transplant surgery at Hartford Hospital. DMV Deputy Commissioner William Ramirez will serve as Acting Commissioner during the Commissioner’s absence.

“Commissioner Ward has done an outstanding job at the DMV and I look forward to his speedy recovery and return to the job,” Governor Rell said.  “Bob and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgery and recuperation. My only directive to Bob was ‘be as good a patient as you have been a Commissioner and get well soon.”

Commissioner Ward said, “My brother, David, volunteered to be a donor and I am extremely grateful to him for such a life-giving gift.”

In the time since the diagnosis, the Commissioner said he has followed his doctors’ advice and treatment schedule. However, he considered transplant as an option should the right opportunity arise.

As improvement comes, Commissioner Ward said, he will begin doing some work from home and will be in touch with staff during his convalescence.