Wilton Police Commission Announces Promotions

The Wilton Police Commission appointed Wilton Police Department’s Executive Officer Captain Thomas (Tom) Conlan to the position of Chief of Police effective February 2nd following the retirement of current Chief of Police John Lynch. The Commission noted the promotion was made in recognition of Captain Conlan’s impressive professional accomplishments and demonstrated leadership qualities, which made him more than qualified to be the next Chief of Police of the Wilton Police Department.

Captain Conlan, who also serves as Wilton’s Deputy Emergency Management Director, joined the department as a patrol officer in 2000 and was promoted to Executive Officer in 2016 following a series of rank promotions, Sergeant in 2008, Lieutenant in 2013 and Captain in 2015. Captain Conlan holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven.  He also graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy for Law Enforcement Executives, Session 275 at Quantico, Virginia in March 2019.

Upon news of his promotion, Captain Conlan stated “I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Wilton as their police chief.  I would also like to thank the members of the Wilton Police Commission and First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice for their continued confidence in my leadership.  Lastly and most importantly, I would like to thank the members of the Wilton Police Department for all of the hard work that they put in day in and day out to make Wilton a great place.”

 The Commission also promoted Captain Robert (Rob) Cipolla to the position of Deputy Chief effective February 2nd, noting the promotion was being made in recognition of the excellence of his performance in his capacity of Captain since his promotion to that rank in 2017.  The Deputy Chief position is replacing the existing Captain-Executive Officer role, reflecting the importance of this second-in-command role and the outstanding level of professional achievement required to attain this rank.

Captain Cipolla joined the Department in 2005 as a patrol officer and upon graduation from the Connecticut Police Academy received the prestigious Samual J. Luciano Award as the top graduate of his class.  He received a series of rank promotions, Sergeant in 2012, Lieutenant in 2015 and Captain in 2017.  Captain Cipolla holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration, with a Concentration in Ethical Leadership. 

Both Captain Conlan and Cipolla have received numerous citations and awards while serving in the Department. 

Police Commission Chair Chris Giovino noted the police department’s cadre of patrol officers, detectives, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains is remarkably deep in requisite skills, management and quality personalities.  He explained for that reason the Commission conducted its search and selection from the inside. He further noted, the Commission is excited for the future of the department and has full confidence in Tom Conlan and Rob Cipolla’s ability to lead the department.

First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice offered her support and congratulations to both Captain Conlan and Captain Cipolla.  Noting she had worked closely with Tom since his 2017 promotion, she observed he had the knowledge, the executive/leadership skills, and importantly, an approachable demeanor, which will allow him to be a successful next Chief of Police.  She noted she had also worked closely with Captain Cipolla since his promotion in 2017 and thanked the Commission for recognizing his multiple talents and his performance with his promotion to Deputy Chief. 

Captain Conlan will serve as Wilton’s eighth Chief of Police.  Details of his swearing-in ceremony will be forthcoming. 

 

W
Submitted by Wilton, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next