It has been a long time coming, but a veteran police officer has been elevated from patrolman to supervisor, with the promotion of Scott Ruszczyk to the rank of sergeant.

Sgt Ruszczyk, 46, was sworn into his new rank in May 1 ceremonies at Town Hall South attended by family, friends, and police staffers.

A 22-year veteran of the police department, Sgt Ruszczyk was hired by the town in June 1993, when former police chief Michael DeJoseph headed the police department.

Sgt Ruszczyk has been the president of the Newtown Police Union for the past several years. He recently oversaw the union’s labor contract negotiations with the town, which culminated in the approval of a new three-year work pact for 43 of the 45 sworn officers at the police department.

At the May 1 ceremonies, Police Commission Chairman Paul Mangiafico complimented Sgt Ruszczyk for his professionalism and perseverance in pursuing the goals of police work.

Mr Mangiafico cited the sergeant for his actions at a February 2005 domestic dispute, which resulted in the sergeant receiving an award for saving the lives of a victim and a criminal suspect.

“Congratulations on your promotion,” Mr Mangiafico said.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe stressed the importance of sergeants in a police organization.

Sergeants ensure that that the officers they supervise are accountable and achieve the law enforcement objectives which are set for them, Chief Kehoe said.

Sergeants must possess a sense of duty and also serve as the leaders of those they supervise, he said.

Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia Halstead gave the oath of office to Sgt Ruszczyk, as his wife Tara and their daughters Katherine and Natalie stood by.

The sergeant told those assembled, “I look forward to the challenges ahead.”      

Sgt Ruszczyk observed, “They say you can judge a man by the company he keeps; I sure hope so, because I have been blessed with an amazing family and wonderful friends.”

Chief Kehoe later said that Sgt Ruszczyk enters the supervisory post with leadership abilities developed through his many years of police experience in patrol work.

In 1991, Sgt Ruszczyk graduated from Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He worked as an intern at a maximum security prison in Rhode Island, at the Bureau of Criminal Identification with the Newport Police Department, and with the Metropolitan Police in London, England.

Sgt Ruszczyk has been a member of the Newtown Police Union’s executive board for 20 years. During that period he has served as secretary, vice president, and president.

In 2013, Sgt Ruszczyk received the Labor Leader of the Year Award from AFSCME International, Council 15.

While serving as a Newtown patrolman, he received an award for bravery, the police chief’s service award, and multiple certificates of commendation.

The Police Commission promoted Mr Ruszczyk to the rank of sergeant last December, but the promotion did not take effect until May 1.