On the same day Newtown Police Department joined departments across the country to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day, the local department also celebrated the promotions of two of its own.

The department, according to a Facebook post, “honored the memory of fallen officers by lifting up two who exemplify professionalism and integrity in law enforcement.”

“Both are consummate professionals, and we are proud to see them rise in our ranks,” the post also noted.

Sergeant Matt Wood was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and School Resources Officer Fernando Pereira to the rank of Detective.

Both officers were joined by members of the department and their families as they were sworn in to their new ranks.

Wood joined Newtown PD in 2004 and has served as a Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, POSTC instructor, and Patrol Sergeant. He successfully ran the Citizens Police Academy for several years.

He is a multiple-year winner of the MADD award for his efforts in impaired driving enforcement and has received multiple commendations throughout his career.

As a lieutenant he will be the commanding officer of the Newtown PD Patrol Division.

Pereira joined Newtown PD in 2014 and has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and School Resource Officer. He has been consistently cited by his supervisors and peers as a thorough and diligent investigator and has been very successful while serving in an acting Detective role for the past year.

Newtown PD Chief David Kullgren and First Selectman Jeff Capeci each offered remarks during the May 15 ceremony.

Visitors and passersby of 191 South Main Street last Thursday saw a field of flags in front of the building, the annual presentation by Newtown PD to honor law enforcement officers who lost their lives while on duty.

This year’s display presented 354 flags, representing 148 officers killed in 2024 alone, and an additional 197 who died in previous years. The display was presented in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day.