Newtown's New Police Chief 'Humbled' By Selection

NEWTOWN, CT — Sworn in earlier this month as Newtown's new Chief of Police, Newtown resident David Kullgren thanked the department, town officials and the community for the honor in an open letter to the town on the department's Facebook page.

A 20-year veteran of the department, Kullgren replaces former Chief James Viadero, who resigned from the department to join the Connecticut Office of Inspector General.

"I am grateful to the Police Commission and First Selectman [Daniel] Rosenthal for having confidence in my ability to lead our department," Kullgren wrote. "I am energized by the commitment the men and women of the Newtown Police Department have and look forward to working in partnership with all of you as Chief."

Read the text of the open letter below:

Dear Residents, Business Owners & Elected Officials,

As a resident of Newtown and 20 year veteran of the Newtown Police Department I am humbled to have been selected to serve in my new capacity as Chief of Police. I am grateful to the Police Commission and First Selectman Rosenthal for having confidence in my ability to lead our department. I am energized by the commitment the men and women of the Newtown Police Department have and look forward to working in partnership with all of you as Chief.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind our residents and business owners of the commitment our men and women have to work in partnership with them for the advancement of all. Our mission statement highlights our commitment to the community.

“It is the mission of the Newtown Police Department to protect and serve our community while honoring our badge, our integrity and the public trust. Working together with the community we will seek justice for all, while holding ourselves and others accountable for their actions under the color of law.”

We understand we cannot do this alone, we will do this together in a positive and forward thinking approach.

Best,

David Kullgren, Chief of Police