33 YEAR VETERAN OF WILTON POLICE FORCE SET TO ASSUME NEW DUTIES JANUARY 1, 2015
November 26, 2014 - - A 33 year veteran of the Wilton Police Department has been chosen to lead the Trumbull Police Department. Michael Lombardo, who turns 54 today, the current Chief of the Wilton Police Department, was the unanimous choice of the Trumbull Police Commission to be the next Chief of Police. Lombardo, a 23 year Trumbull resident, is married to his wife Catherine, with two children, Dana and Michael that are products of the Trumbull Public School System.
A nationwide search yielded Lombardo as Trumbull’s new top cop. He replaces Police Chief Thomas Kiely, a 40 year veteran of the Trumbull Police Department who has served as Chief of Police the last ten years. Jack Testani, Chairman of the Trumbull Police Commission, said the commission was impressed with Lombardo’s breadth of experience and record in Wilton. “As we have learned in recent years, the role of local police departments has become even more and more important. Protecting our community, protecting our schools and protecting our quality of life have never been more important than it is today,” stated Chairman Testani. “It is critical that our next Police Chief have the necessary skill set to hit the ground running on Day 1. Chief Lombardo has those essential qualities and we are ready to welcome him to Trumbull and work with him in the years ahead.”
“On behalf of the Town of Trumbull, it is both an honor and a privilege to welcome the next Chief of Police for the Town of Trumbull, Michael Lombardo,” stated First Selectman Herbst. “For the last five and a half years, Michael Lombardo has served as Chief of the Wilton Police Department. Mike's life story and his life's work have been about protecting people and doing good. His work ethic, commitment to duty and commitment to his family make him an ideal candidate to lead the Trumbull Police Department forward.”
A big proponent of community policing, Lombardo has developed a Citizens Police Academy in Wilton that educates and integrates the public into Police operations and provides them with a better understanding of how a police department works. Chief Lombardo has developed an officer of the year program in Wilton. The program awards and recognizes those officers who go above and beyond the call of duty in properly protecting the public.
The First Selectman noted that while Chief Lombardo recognizes and promotes and recognizes good behavior, he also is not one to shy away from dealing with bad behavior. During his tenure as Wilton's Chief, he has shown fair and equal treatment to all employees and has taken disciplinary action as necessary to protect the integrity of the department.
Lombardo has controlled and reduced overtime costs during his tenure, and over the last five years he has delivered 5 budgets that have come in at or below the allocated amounts. He has also introduced several technology initiatives into the Wilton Police Department that will allow Wilton to better protect the public and fight crime.
Lombardo’s predecessor, Chief Thomas Kiely, offered words of praise and encouragement for his successor. “I have known Michael Lombardo since his time as a detective in Wilton and my tenure as a Lieutenant in the Detective Bureau here in Trumbull. I know Mike will bring all great moral qualities to the Trumbull Police Department and protect the public health, safety and welfare of Trumbull’s 37,000 residents. I consider him a lifelong friend and I wish him every success in the years ahead.”
"It is a tremendous honor to be chosen to lead the Trumbull Police Department as their new chief," stated Lombardo. "As a 23 year Trumbull resident, I take pride in leading the police force of my hometown. Over the next 100 days and beyond I look forward to meeting with community leaders, business organizations and all Trumbull stakeholders to foster a culture of collaboration, communication and outstanding public safety. I want the men and women of the Trumbull Police Department to know how much I value their good work and how honored I am to be working with them as their new Chief. I want to build on Trumbull's already outstanding reputation and make our police department a model law enforcement agency in the State of Connecticut."