Top Southington Police Official Retires After Nearly Four Decades

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Police Department's number two cop has turned in his gun and badge, ending a nearly four-decade stint in law enforcement.

Southington PD Deputy Chief William Palmieri officially retired this week, ending a 38-year run of serving the town and making sure its streets were safe.

Palmieri has been in Southington so long, Ronald Reagan was just starting his second term in office in 1985 when he put on the badge locally.

Serving, in the words of the SPD with "dedication, honor and dignity," Palmieri was given a going away cake and all the handshakes, hugs and back slaps that come with retirement.

He started as a patrol officer back in the mid-1980s and worked his way through the ranks, becoming deputy chief in 2016 with Southington Police Chief John F. Daly, who has been the town's top cop since 2002.

"He will truly be missed," wrote the SPD via social media. "Because of him, the Town of Southington is a better place. Enjoy your retirement Deputy Chief Palmieri, you've earned it."

For Palmieri's biography, click on this link.