RICHARD WEIZEL rweizel@ctpost.com
Article Last Updated: 12/27/2007 11:06:35 PM EST
STRATFORD — With seven upcoming retirements, including three captains, the Police Department is about to undergo a major restructuring — the second in as many years — just after New Year's Day.
Heading the list of retirees leaving the department between Jan. 2 and Jan. 5 is Detective Bureau Capt. Thomas Rodia, a more than 32-year veteran who was runner-up last year to Joseph LoSchiavo for the deputy chief's position.
Also retiring is Patrol Division Capt. Mark DeLieto, stepping down after 27 years of service, and Administrative Capt. Christopher Marino, the department's media relations liaison and a 27-year veteran.
Other veteran officers to retire at the start of the new year include: Detective Richard Yeomans, a 27-year veteran; Detective Robert Skrutsky, who served nearly 31 years; and Detectives David Evans and Daniel Bacchiocchi, both with 25 years of service.
"For me, it's bittersweet because I've been here almost 28 years and still love the job as much today as when I started," said Marino, who will join his wife, Donna, in Phoenix, where she accepted the post of president and chief executive officer of the Catholic Community Foundation.
"At 48, I still consider myself a young man and would have never left the department had such an incredible opportunity not come up for my wife," Marino said. "I may try and hook on with a police department out in Arizona, or get a job in security or teaching."
Marino quipped he may miss the job so much, "I could even give you guys [in the media] a call every once in a while."
Replacing Marino as administrative captain will be Capt. Kenneth Bakalar, who is being transferred from the patrol division to handle media relations and other administrative duties such as internal affairs.
Rodia is being replaced by Lt. Don Popik, who will be promoted to captain, Marino said.
Other promotions include:
l Lt. Joseph McNeil will be promoted to captain to assume the duties of DeLieto.
l Sgt. Francis Proudfoot will be promoted to lieutenant, assuming the post as head of the Records Division.
l Lt. David Salik will head the Traffic Division, replacing Lt. Orlando Soto who is going to be a lieutenant in the Detective Bureau.
The retirees will be honored during a special combined promotion and retirement ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 13 at Stratford High School. Six new officers who joined the department in 2007 will also be recognized, Marino said, in addition to officers who earned special awards during the year.
Two new animal-control officers will also be sworn-in.
A year ago, LoSchiavo, a 27-year veteran of the department, was named deputy chief by Mayor James R. Miron. Four key officers, including three longtime captains, also retired a year ago.
This year, John Buturla, the brother of Town Attorney Richard Buturla, was appointed by the mayor as the department's new chief, replacing former Chief Michael Imbro. Imbro accepted an early retirement package offered by Miron after working 39 years in the department.
Richard Weizel, who covers Stratford, can be reached at 330-6470