Naugatuck Police Lieutenant Retires After 20 Years

NAUGATUCK, CT — Mark Pettinicchi, a Naugatuck police lieutenant, has retired after 20 years of service, according to police.

According to the department's Facebook page, Pettinicchi had numerous assignments throughout his career, including field training officer, motor officer, field training program coordinator, administrative sergeant and an investigator for the Naugatuck Valley Collision Investigation Team. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and a Unit Citation.

Pettinicchi began his career in 2002 and was assigned to the patrol division. He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2009 and supervised third and first shifts.

In 2016, he was reassigned as the detective sergeant of the youth and special investigations bureau. During this time, he was also the agency's liaison for the state's sex offender registry, deadly weapon offender registry and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2019 and later commanded the department's midnight and day shifts.

Pettinicchi was struck by a car while working a private duty traffic assignment in November 2021, resulting in severe injuries that required months of rehabilitation, according to police.

"We thank [Pettinicchi] for his service to our town," police said on Facebook, "and wish him relaxation, health and happiness during his retirement years."