At a mostly impromptu ceremony at the February 1 Police Commission meeting, 20-year Newtown Police veteran David Kullgren was sworn in as the new chief of police. Members of the department and his family were in attendance.

“This is a great occasion,” said departing Police Chief James Viadero, whose last official day of work was January 31. “Last week we made a decision. I could not be happier to introduce Dave Kullgren and see him as the new chief of police.”

Viadero said it was an “honor” and “good for the department” to see a police officer he had seen “grow over the years” step into his position.

“There’s talent here that can rise to the next level and be chief,” said Viadero.

Kullgren said it was a “true honor and privilege” to be named chief and that he looks forward to the next 15 years or more with his “police family.” Kullgren said Viadero had been a “mentor like no other.”

“I would not be here, and the department would not be here without him,” said Kullgren.

Kullgren said his goals for the department are for them to “come work, have fun, do their jobs, and work with the community to do the right thing.”

Until his promotion, Kullgren was the department’s administrative services bureau commander. He is a Newtown resident.

Among Kullgren’s accomplishments within the department is bringing in new technology over the past 10-15 years, including moving the department’s accident report system from “pen and paper to 3D imaging.” He also created a drone unit that has “become a regional asset,” and brought online scheduling and time bank management to the department.

Regionally, he has worked with a team from the Fairfield County Police Officer Association to help create an online recertification portal during the pandemic. Officers can now do recertification training online instead of getting “hundreds of cops in a gym.”

He also helped form the Fairfield County Blue Plan, which provides mutual aid between departments.

Viadero announced his departure on December 7. As chief inspector at the Office of the Inspector General, he will be responsible for investigating police shootings, “a very important role that we fully support him in,” said Police Commission Faxon.

Faxon said the department still has some hiring to do, such as filling a captain position and some other positions within the department. Captain Christopher Vanghele recently announced he would be resigning his post in Newtown. Vanghele has been hired as the new police chief in Plainville.

A formal swearing in ceremony is planned for February 11.

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