New Deputy Police Chief Named In Guilford

GUILFORD, CT — Martina Jakober, a 21-plus-year veteran of the Guilford Police Department, has been selected as the new deputy police chief, effective April 7.

Robert Welsh, chair of the Guilford Board of Police Commissioners, announced the appointment on Monday. Jakober replaced Salvatore Nesci, who recently resigned.

Before coming to Guilford, Jakober worked as a police officer for the Tucson (Arizona) Police Department from 1999 to 2003.

Since joining the GPD on July 14, 2003, Jakober has climbed through the ranks. She served as a detective from 2014 to 2016, a patrol sergeant from 2016 to 2024, and as a lieutenant from 2024-2025.

Jakober was also the crime prevention coordinator from 2013 to 2025, and the social media coordinator from 2014 to 2025.

"Martina has made community engagement, community policing, and crime prevention a priority for the Guilford Police Department," a news release on her latest appointment said.

Throughout her tenure, Jakober has received numerous awards, including the Shoreline Hero Award, Unit Citation, Town of Guilford Employee Recognition Award, Department Commendation, Employee Excellence Award, Officer of the Month, Life Saving Medal, and Officer of the Year.

Jakober has a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on criminal justice administration, sociology, and Italian, from the University of Arizona in Tucson.