Newtown has gotten a great new addition, and Danbury has suffered a great loss, according to Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour.

Newtown Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead formally swore in Newtown Police Department's new captain, Brian Bishop March 25, with family members, former co-workers from Danbury, and new co-workers from Newtown looking on.

The local police department has recently experienced a number of changes, with former Police Chief James Viadero and Captain Chris Vanghele leaving for other posts. This was the first hire for new Police Chief David Kullgren, who was promoted from lieutenant January 25.

"There have been so many changes to the department, and here's another," said First Selectman Dan Rosenthal at the swearing-in ceremony. "This is like a family here, we welcome you to the community and your family to the community. We only expect great things."

Police Commissioner Brian Budd said that the town was "very privileged" to have hired someone of Bishop's skill set and abilities.

Ridenhour said Bishop was one of the first people he met when he was hired as chief in Danbury, and he calls him "Mr Personality."

"He is a leader, mentor, and a good all around officer," said Ridenhour. "He'll do good things in Newtown."

Ridenhour said he'll miss Bishop's "level head, steady hand, and great advice," and that Kullgren "hit it out of the park" with his decision to pick Bishop as his number two.

"I'm glad [Bishop] is not going far because I may still need him from time to time," said Ridenhour.

Tops Among Eight

Kullgren said that the Newtown Police Department's foundation had been "built very strong" under Viadero and the department is "on great ground now." He noted that Lt Steve Seabrook is now in charge of the detective bureau and that he has been named new chief, and now the department is "celebrating its new captain."

"I look forward to orient him to our ways, and slow him down from Danbury's ways," said Kullgren.

Kullgren said there were "eight quality people" in the running for the captain position and it was the responsibility of both him and the Police Commission to choose the "best person who would work for everybody in the department."

"The candidates all had great qualities, but [Bishop] is the person who can work with all of us, on good days and bad days," said Kullgren.

Kullgren said he looked forward to Bishop helping him through some upcoming promotions to lieutenant in the department.

Bishop said he was "overwhelmed by emotion" at the ceremony and thanked Kullgren, Rosenthal, and the Police Commission for the opportunity.

"I'm proud and honored to be selected," said Bishop, who said it was the town's "sense of community" that drew him to apply. "I'm grateful and privileged to have worked with the officers in Danbury for as long as I did. I look forward to the opportunity in Newtown, getting to know everyone and getting to know the town. I'm really excited."

Bishop is a Shelton resident, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. Captain Bishop served in Danbury for 27 years. While in Danbur,y he held many titles such as detective captain, lieutenant, sergeant, and internal affairs officer. His duties have included supervising the crime scene unit and special victims unit.

He will remain the commanding officer for the Regional Emergency Services Unit.

Captain Bishop said he likes to fish, cook and spend his off time with his friends and family.

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.