Officer David Rivera, formerly of the Bridgeport Police Department, was sworn in as a New Canaan Police officer Tuesday morning, July 1. He’s one of three new, already-certified officers New Canaan has hired, which police Chief Leon Krolikowski had said would be a priority due to short staff, potential retirements and the time involved in bringing an entirely new officer through the police academy and onto the force.
By comparison, hiring an officer who’s certified is much more expedient, Krolikowski said.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Rivera’s wife, Melanie, pinned on his fresh New Canaan badge. Police Capt. Vincent DeMaio, describing the significance of receiving a badge, likened it in part to getting deputized by the sheriff in the Old West, and also — which he characterized as an “even better” analogy — to a nursing student receiving a nurse’s pin and taking an oath of service.
“The nursing profession is a service profession, just like we are a service profession,” DeMaio said. “The two are very similar in that when you’re pinning that police badge on, you’re committing to service to the community, just as nurses do.”
“I’m honored to be here in New Canaan,” Rivera told the Advertiser. “Bridgeport is also a great department; there are a lot of great officers over there doing excellent work. But at this point in my life, I felt like this was right.”
Unsurprisingly, Rivera added that he’s a little less sure about the commute from his current residence in Bridgeport, which he said takes about 45-50 minutes, but said he’s managing.
Melanie Rivera, wife of police Officer David Rivera, pins on David’s new badge as he’s sworn in to the New Canaan Police Department. Police Chief Leon Krolikowski, at left in rear, looks on along with Capt. Vincent DeMaio and Town Clerk Claudia Weber. (Aaron Marsh photo)
Evening honor
New Canaan Police also gave special recognition for service excellence to the officers on duty early Wednesday morning, May 14. Magdala Pierre-Louis, 28, of Bridgeport, was stopped for speeding, and because of the officers’ diligence that night, Pierre-Louis was found to be a fugitive from justice, wanted in Norristown, Pa., and arrested.
“They could have easily not made the arrest, not dug any deeper, and no one would have been any wiser,” DeMaio said, but the officers on duty instead “took additional measures to vet out the truth.” That even included making phone calls to wake up a small town sheriff in Pennsylvania to verify Pierre-Louis’ identity by her tattoos, noted DeMaio.
A unit citation award for the arrest was presented to Officers Dan Gulino, Jeffrey Pollock, Scott Humburg, Brian Mitchell, Michael O’Sullivan and Rex Sprosta.
“Everyone knows law enforcement is a family,” said DeMaio. “When the chips are down, we all count on each other.”
New officer bios
In addition to Rivera, the New Canaan Police Department also has hired Officers Shane Gibson and Anthony Signore. Following is biographical info on the three released by police:
David W. Rivera, 26, is married and lives in Bridgeport. Prior to being sworn-in in New Canaan, he was employed by the Bridgeport Police Department, and had been so since April 2011. He held the rank of patrol officer, and is fluent in Spanish.
Rivera graduated from East Hartford High School in 2005, and continued his education at the University of Connecticut. He graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis on criminal justice. He also attended the Capital Community College in Hartford, where he studied public speaking. In 2008, Rivera joined the U.S. Air Force National Guard, and is currently assigned to the 103rd Airlift Wing based in East Granby. He holds the rank of E-4.
He begins his field training program on Tuesday, July 22.
Shane M. Gibson, 30, is married and lives in Stamford. He is employed by the Southern Connecticut State University Police, and has been since April 2013. Gibson was previously employed by the Gunnison, Colo., police department from 2008-2012. He has been a patrol officer with both departments.
Gibson attended the Rio Rancho High School in Loma, Colo. He continued his education at the University of New Mexico and Western State College of Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
He begins his field training program on Tuesday, July 22.
Anthony D. Signore, 45, is married with three children, ages 11, eight and two. He lives in Norwalk and works for the Redding Police Department. He holds the rank of sergeant and has been one of two school resource officers for the past several years. He joined the Redding Police Department in May 2001. Signore graduated from Norwalk High School and continued his education at Norwalk Community College.
While an officer with the Redding Police Department, Anthony Signore has obtained instructor certifications in many areas, including as a National Tactical Officers Association active shooter and in firearms instruction.
On Friday, July 27, 2014, Signore accepted a position as patrol officer with the New Canaan Police Department. He will begin his field training program on Tuesday, July 22.
“The New Canaan Police Department is grateful for the support and vision of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Town Council for allowing the department to increase its sworn members so as to provide more effective and efficient service to the New Canaan community,” Chief Krolikowski stated. “These new officers will enable our department to better protect and Serve the Town of New Canaan.”