Norwalk Police Lieutenant Retires After 35 Years Of Service

NORWALK, CT — Police Lt. Thomas Roncinske officially retired Sunday after proudly and faithfully serving the Norwalk community for 35 years, according to police.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, police said Roncinske was sworn in as a member of the Norwalk Police Department on April 10, 1989. He was a graduate of the 217 Municipal Police Academy Class.

During his time with the department, Roncinske served in the Patrol Division, Special Services, the Detective Bureau, and Community Services that included the bike team, as well as an instructor and field training officer in the Training Division, police said.

Roncinske served as commander of the First Platoon, the Special Victims Unit and Internal Affairs. He rose up the ranks quickly and was promoted to detective in 2000, sergeant in 2006 and lieutenant in 2015, according to police.

He was a member of the Emergency Services Scuba Team for 29 years, finishing as its commander, and a member of the Emergency Services Tactical Team for 17 years, police said.

Roncinske received a number of honors during his long career with the department. In addition to Officer of the Month, he was recognized as Officer of the Year in 2003 for armed robbery investigations and in 2006 for a homicide investigation, according to police.

He was awarded the Police Service Cross for an armed subject case, Distinguish Service Award, Four Unit Citations and the MAAD Award. He also received numerous awards from other organizations, police said.

Roncinske has been very involved in the Norwalk Police Union over the years. He started out as a trustee on the Union Executive Board in 2001 and later served as treasurer, vice president and president, according to police.

He served as the Police Awards Committee Chairman for five years and was an original member of the Peer Support Team, finishing as its coordinator.

Roncinske received numerous letters from the citizens of Norwalk, the mayors and outside organizations for his professionalism, dedication and compassion during his career, police said.

"We want to thank Tom for his loyal service which helped to make our department and the city of Norwalk a better place for us all," police said on Facebook. "Please join us in wishing Tom the best in his retirement."

The post can be read in full here.