As the Police Commission conducted interviews and deliberated at a January 18 meeting, three police officers waited, offered each other words of encouragement and support, and paced nervously around the room, while they waited to find out which of them would be promoted to sergeant. After roughly an hour, Officer John McDermott was announced as the new sergeant.

“My head’s spinning,” said McDermott as he was congratulated by Police Commission members, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Police Chief James Viadero, and the other officers.

“I’m very excited and honored,” McDermott told The Bee. “This is obviously a great opportunity and I look forward to working as hard as I can. This is a great town and I am truly humbled.”

Viadero said 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. He has 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.

“John’s personality and confidence have made him a respected officer amongst his peers and superior officers,” said Viadero. “It’s an honor to see John get promoted; he certainly will be one of the future leaders of the department, and will lead NPD in an exemplary manner.”

Police Commission Chairman Joel Faxon said all three officers were “extraordinary candidates” and the commission appreciated all their “time and effort.”

“All three have an exciting portfolio of work that you don’t come by easily,” said Faxon. “It’s very impressive. I’m so impressed with the resources and assets the department has.”

Police Commission member Joan Plauffe told the two other officers, William Chapman and Felicia Figol, that they were “so invaluable” in their current roles.

“We have so much respect for you,” Plauffe said.

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