Joseph LoSchiavo, the new deputy police chief, was formally sworn in to replace Paul Aurelia, who retired last year.

Newly appointed Capt. Christopher Marino replaces Capt. Harvey Maxwell, the administrative captain who was third in command in the department and whose duties included internal investigations and media relations. Maxwell, who retired Jan. 5, was in the department 37 years.

There also is a possibility there will soon be a change in the department's top job, after the Town Council last week voted to offer Chief Michael Imbro an incentive-laden "executive" retirement package that includes annual 2 percent pension increases for life.

"Some key people with a lot of experience are gone," Imbro said recently. "It's always tough to lose good people, but we have the personnel to handle it."

Sixteen officers were promoted Sunday; the department has a total of 100 personnel.

Among those was David Gugliotti, promoted from corporal to detective. Gugliotti, who is white, became embroiled in controversy last year after arresting two black South End residents during a brawl, including Town Council Minority Leader Alvin O'Neal, D-2.

Gugliotti, who was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, had been accused of brutality and using racial slurs, but the investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing.

He has since notified the town of his intent to sue, claiming he was wrongfully placed on leave against the union's collective-bargaining agreement.

LoSchiavo, a 27-year veteran of the Police Department, was named deputy chief by Mayor James R. Miron.

The mayor selected LoSchiavo for the post over Lt. Thomas Rodia. Both men served short stints as acting deputy chief, with the mayor selecting LoSchiavo in what he called "a virtual coin-toss."

Rodia, also formerly a lieutenant, was promoted to captain and commander of the Detective Division.

Rodia replaces Capt. Andrew Knapp, former commander of detectives, who recently retired after serving 30 years in the department.

Lt. Kenneth Bakalar was promoted to captain, replacing Capt. Gene Vedock, commander of the midnight shift, who served 27 years on the force.

Detective John Walton, with 26 years in the department, also retired.

Marino, of Trumbull, who started his career with the department in 1980, was promoted to sergeant in 1988. In 2000, he was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Records Division, where he worked for four years before being transferred to the Traffic Division where he served as commander.

Rodia, who resides in Stratford, began his career in 1975. In 1983, he was promoted to sergeant, and four years later assigned to the Records Division. In 1990, he was transferred to the Detective Bureau, and in 2000, to the Narcotics and Vice Unit. He was the department's 1999-2000 Officer of the Year.

Bakalar, another new captain, started on the force in 1980. In 1991, he was promoted to sergeant and then again in 1999 to lieutenant, assigned to the Records Division. He joined the Detective Bureau in 2000, and in 2005 moved to Narcotics and Vice.

Richard Weizel, who covers Stratford, can be reached at 330-6470.