Two Police Officers Promoted To Lieutenant, Sergeant  

By Andrew Gorosko

In ceremonies this week, two longtime police officers took oaths of office before a group of family, friends, and coworkers, in recognition of their having advanced in rank in the 46-member police department.

At the Tuesday, January 3, ceremonies at the police station, Richard Robinson, 43, took the oath from Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia in his promotion from sergeant to lieutenant. Lieutenant Robinson will supervise the police department’s detective unit, among other duties.

Lt Robinson has been a member of the police department for more than 13 years, having joined the organization in October 1998. The Police Commission had promoted him to the post of patrol sergeant in October 2006.

Also, Steven Santucci, 35, took the oath of office in his promotion from patrol officer to sergeant. Sergeant Santucci will be one of the sergeants supervising the police department’s patrol unit.

Sgt Santucci  has spent the last 11 years as a patrolman, having joined the department in November 2000.

The Police Commission made the two promotions in November, but the two men were not sworn in at higher rank until this week.

The promotions come amid a reorganization of the police department’s hierarchy.

In September, the Police Commission unanimously endorsed a departmental reorganization plan, which increases the number of police lieutenant positions from two to three, and also decreases the number of sergeant positions from eight to seven. The changes include shifting the supervision of the detective unit from a sergeant to a lieutenant.

Lieutenant George Sinko, who served as master of ceremonies at the January 3 event, said the police department expects the two newly promoted officers to serve well in their new roles.

Police Commission Chairman Paul J. Mangiafico said that in their new positions, the two officers will be accepting a greater level of responsibility. Both men have received many commendations from the police department during their years of service, he added.

Mr Mangiafico urged that both officers apply qualities including wisdom and compassion in their duties and also stay safe in their law enforcement roles.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe said that both officers are well qualified for their expanded responsibilities in law enforcement.

Chief Kehoe noted that Lt Robinson is completing work on a master’s degree in criminal justice, adding that he is well-versed in many technical subjects, especially information technology.

Lt Robinson has a bachelor’s degree in justice and law administration from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. In 2005, Robinson received first place academic standing in an examination conducted by the Fairfield County Detective School.

The police chief noted that Sgt Santucci has many qualifications for a sergeancy, adding that he has received two certificates of commendation from the police department for his actions as a police officer.

Sgt Santucci has served as a field training officer, instructing new officers about police work. He graduated from the Fairfield County Detective School in 2005. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in science.

Of police work, Chief Kehoe said, “It’s tough profession, It’s not easy.”

Through the ceremonies honoring their promotions, “We recognize two very fine officers…who make Newtown a safer place to live,” Chief Kehoe said.

First Selectman Pat Llodra said, “The quality of our people...makes a difference. We have terrific people.”

The first selectman noted that a recent magazine analysis of crime in Connecticut’s municipalities ranked Newtown very highly in terms of public safety.