By Tim Cook Lt. Robert Martin will serve as operations commander.

Groton— New links will be added to the chain of command in the Groton City Police Department this week. Chief Bruno Guilini is counting on them to help improve a department that has seen its share of strife in recent years.

Robert Martin was recently promoted to lieutenant from sergeant to serve as the department's first-ever operations commander. As such, Martin will oversee the functions of both the patrol and investigative division.

Guilini said he expects Martin to serve as a two-way conduit between his office and the rank and file, a circuit that had not functioned well recently.

Martin joins Lt. Thomas Forbes to fill the void left by the exit of Deputy Police Chief Patrick T. McMahon. Forbes manages the department's administrative and support services. Guilini is counting on Martin to establish a more tranquil environment in field operations.

“I see him working within the entire department, and in the delivery of services,” Guilini said. “He has the knowledge and the experience. He should coalesce the department, raise the level of comfort within the department as well as the community's level of comfort with the department.”

Guilini said Martin's position should close information gaps between officers and detectives and provide for a smoother flow of information between the two.

“It's an exciting honor for me to have my peers and supervisor recommend me for the job,” Martin said. “I hope to keep communication open among members of the department, and I want that communication to become strong between the department and the community, too.”

Guilini believes that is precisely what will happen as Martin becomes acclimated in his new capacity.

“Bob knows his job. And he cares deeply about the department,” the chief said. “And he cares about the people who staff the department. He's an excellent mentor who will provide service to the public.”

Martin said he has grown in his more than 26 years in the department, including from a misunderstanding with racial overtones that he had with Miller.

“There's a lot to be learned from the difficult times, and I've learned,” he said. “I've had painful experiences that have enlightened me. I've learned to listen to other people, and to try to understand where they are coming from. I think I'm a better cop and a better person. This, obviously, is the highlight of my career.”

Guilini also announced the promotions of three other members, from patrol officers to corporals, also a newly established rank within the department. Fernando “Fred” Goncalves, Donald “Gene” Comstock and Mark Tourville, will assume responsibilities of patrol leaders, and will fulfill sergeants' duties when necessary, Guilini said.

All four men earned their new positions through written and oral exams conducted by the Connecticut Law Enforcement Council. The chief then made recommendations to Popp, who considered the department's choices and made the final decision. The promotions will be made official during a City Council meeting Monday at 7 p.m.