Retired Longtime Norwalk Police Lieutenant Mourned By Community

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling announced Tuesday he has directed flags to half-staff in honor of retired Police Lt. Thomas Roncinske, a 35-year veteran of the Norwalk Police Department who died Saturday.

In a detailed statement provided by the city, Rilling said Roncinske was a highly decorated officer who served the city of Norwalk for 35 years and retired on March 31.

According to Rilling, Roncinske held many leadership roles during his notable career with the department.

Roncinske served in the NPD's Patrol Division, Community Services Division, Training Division as an instructor and Field Training Officer, Special Services and Detective Bureau.

He served as commander of the First Platoon and commander of the Special Victims Unit and Internal Affairs, and was promoted to detective in 2000, sergeant in 2006 and lieutenant in 2015.

Roncinske was also a member of the Emergency Services Scuba Team for 29 years, where he became commander and a member of the Emergency Services Tactical Team for 17 years.

"The city of Norwalk is heartbroken at the loss of Lt. Thomas Roncinske, who proudly and faithfully served the Norwalk Police Department for 35 years before retiring this past March," Rilling said in a statement. "Over his dedicated career, Lt. Roncinske quickly rose up in the ranks and was continuously honored and recognized by his colleagues and members of the community for his professionalism, devotion, and compassion. The city of Norwalk is better off for his decades of service that made our community safer, and I know he will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to his family and brothers and sisters in the Norwalk Police Department who are mourning the loss of a tremendous individual who made a lasting impact on our community."

Roncinske was very involved in the Norwalk Police Union 1727 over the years. He served as trustee on the Union Executive Board in 2001 and later served as treasurer, vice president and president, where he participated in collective bargaining agreement negotiations and represented members of the Police Union, according to the city.

He also served as vice president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 15, Connecticut's Council of Police from 2009-2013.

Roncinske was the original member of the Peer Support Team, an internal confidential team of officers varying in rank, where he liaised with the Employee Assistance Program to provide behavioral services assistance to officers as needed. He later served as the team's coordinator, according to the city.

Throughout his career, Roncinske was honored several times by the NPD, citizens of Norwalk and outside organizations for his service and dedication to the community.

He was recognized as NPD's Officer of the Year in 2003 for his work in multiple armed robbery investigations and again in 2006 for his efforts in a homicide investigation.

He was also awarded the NPD Police Service Cross for an armed subject case, as well as the Distinguished Service Award, four Unit Citations and the MAAD Award, according to the city.

"The Norwalk Police Department is mourning the loss of our brother, Lt. Roncinske, who exemplified the highest degree of service and made extraordinary contributions to the community through policing," Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh said in a statement. "He will be remembered as a confidant and friend to many who served alongside him during his exceptional career serving and protecting Norwalk residents. Lt. Roncinske made the department and the city of Norwalk a better place for all of us and will be deeply missed."

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home, located at 25 Catoonah Street in Ridgefield.