New Canaan Police Chief To Retire In 2023 After 33 Years

NEW CANAAN, CT — After over 30 years with the department, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski will retire at the end of the month to accept a position with Darien Public Schools.

In a statement, Krolikowski said his last day of employment will be Dec. 31, however his last day at work will be Dec. 28.

On Tuesday, the Darien Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Krolikowski as the district's first-ever director of security. He will begin working in Darien on Jan. 9, 2023.

"This position will allow me to help build innovative initiatives and to hire a team that enhances school safety and security," Krolikowski said. "I am certain the Darien school district will become a model for other districts."

Krolikowski has served as the department's chief for nearly 10 years and served the town for over 33 years.

"I have been blessed and honored to work with such an exceptional team that at present contains strong formal and informal leaders," Krolikowski said. "Over the years, we have collectively worked through many challenges that were successfully navigated largely due to your professionalism, leadership, compassion and skillsets."

According to a statement from Darien Public Schools, Krolikowski has worked closely with the New Canaan Public Schools on a variety of security enhancements and changes in trainings and protocols throughout his tenure in New Canaan.

As the director of security in Darien, Krolikowski will be responsible for the management of all campus monitors, school security officers, security infrastructure and emergency response efforts.

"Chief Krolikowski's varied and accomplished experiences in law enforcement and school security as the Chief of Police in New Canaan provide the necessary credentials for this critically important leadership position," Darien Public Schools Superintendent Alan Addley said in a news release. "We welcome Chief Krolikowski as a member of our Darien Blue Wave community."

Krolikowski earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Connecticut and graduated from the Stamford Police Academy.

While working full-time as a police officer, he earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management, a law degree from Quinnipiac Law School, completed an executive education course at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and has begun coursework toward a Ph.D.

Krolikowski is admitted to practice law in Connecticut and New York, Connecticut Federal Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the United States Tax Court. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., and he is a Marine Corps combat veteran.

"While I am sad about leaving, I am certain that our department is in the best state it has been in for the entirety of my career," Krolikowski said. "My 33 years, nine months, and nine days of service to our town have been rewarding and challenging. I am certain my next career chapter will be equally dynamic and rewarding."