At a short ceremony on January 24, and with family, Police Commission members, and fellow police officers looking on, John McDermott was sworn in as sergeant in the Newtown Police Department.

McDermott was chosen for the promotion from officer at a Police Commission meeting on January 18.

Thanking everyone for their support and the Police Commission for believing in him for their role in choosing him for the promotion, McDermott credited his wife, Stephanie, who also works for the department, for always being there for him. The couple is expecting a child in June.

“It’s a family business from that end,” said First Selectman Dan Rosenthal. “It’s great to have them focused on the welfare and safety of the community. It’s also great to see upward mobility in the department.”

Departing Police Captain Chris Vanghele said that McDermott has “come far in his development.”

“[McDermott] definitely deserves this promotion,” Vanghele said. “This is one of the biggest moves in the department, moving up from patrolman to sergeant. I’m happy he has been promoted, the town needs a leader.”

Police Commission Chairman Joel Faxon congratulated McDermott, and said during the process of choosing which of three officers to promote, he was “so impressed with everyone” and their portfolios of what they’ve accomplished.

“Many times the police go without proper recognition,” said Faxon. “We’re proud for the Police Commission and for the town.”

Police Chief James Viadero told The Newtown Bee that McDermott has been a member of Newtown Police Department (NPD) for 13 and a half years.

He has served as a “distinguished member” of the Newtown Police Department, having received several awards and citations. He has served in the patrol division his entire career. McDermott has also been an active participant in NPD’s Explorers program and served as a field training officer, training new recruit officers upon graduation from the academy.

Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.