Stamford Swears In New Police Chief Over Live Stream

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor David Martin held a swearing-in ceremony for Police Chief Timothy Shaw over a live stream Thursday morning. A small group of those in attendance, including Martin and members of Shaw's immediate family, wore masks and gloves in light of the new coronavirus as Shaw was formally named the city's 16th police chief.

Shaw previously served in Stamford's police department from 1988 to 2015 and rose through the ranks from officer to assistant chief over his 28-year career with the department, according to an announcement released by the city. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"Chief Shaw has a deep understanding of our community, as well as experience in other departments to help inform how Stamford’s Police Department can become even better," Martin said in a statement. "This is a difficult time for everyone in our community, but Stamford is fortunate to have an incredible police force and excellent leadership to keep us safe."

Martin previously announced Shaw as his nominee for the police chief position before a crowd of nearly 50 people at the city's Government Center in February. Shaw's appointment was later approved by the city's Board of Representatives.

See also: Mayor Announces Nominee For Stamford's Next Police Chief

At the time of the announcement, Shaw had said he wants officers to "get out into the community" more than ever have before and give resident a chance to "see the officer outside of the call."

"If there's a baseball game, go take a look and hang out by the fence," Shaw said. "Talk to some parents and see what their thoughts are right now. I think you'll get a lot more information from there, and a lot more acceptance."

He also said his favorite thing about Stamford is its diversity and the amount it has grown in just the five years since he's been gone.

"This city has just grown leaps and bounds," Shaw said. "It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to getting back into the mix."

Shaw succeeds Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau, who served the Stamford Police Department for 39 years, and seven of those years as police chief. Fontneau retired in 2019, and the position has been filled by Assistant Chief Thomas Wuennemann since July of last year.

As police chief, Shaw will oversee a department of nearly 300 civilian and patrol officers.

"I left Stamford believing it had the greatest police department in the country, I am honored to return to where I call home and serve as Police Chief," Shaw said in a statement. "I hope to follow in the footsteps of the incredible chiefs who led this department before me. I'm here for the community. At a later time, I'll have the opportunity to meet with Stamford's community. For right now please stay home, stay safe, and I thank you for this honor."

The ceremony, which was limited to immediate family and department personnel, streamed live on the city's Facebook page. City officials intend to host events for the public to meet Shaw when possible.

During the event, Martin recognized Wuennemann for his service to the department in the interim between Fontneau's retirement and Shaw's appointment.

"One of the Stamford Police Department's greatest strengths are the dedicated individuals throughout the organization," Martin said. "I am very grateful to Chief Wuennemann for stepping up and providing excellent leadership while confronting many significant challenges to our police force during this difficult time for our community."

Shaw has been recognized by the Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Police Commissioners for his work as Easton's police chief. Throughout his career, Shaw has coordinated with federal organizations, including the FBI, DEA, ATF and the U.S. Marshall's Office.

"Chief Shaw is an impressive law enforcement professional with a wealth of knowledge and diverse experience," Ted Jankowski, the city's director of public safety, said in a statement. "He understands the challenges confronting the department and has demonstrated the ability to respectfully deal with all people in the community. Chief Shaw is a family man with moral fortitude who has inherited an exceptional department with extremely dedicated men and women. I expect great things under his leadership."

Shaw's career in law enforcement began in 1988 as a police officer for the Stamford Police Department. He began in patrol and quickly became an investigator for the Statewide Narcotics Task Force in 1990, where he worked as an undercover officer within Fairfield County to infiltrate organizations in coordination with local, state and federal partners.

As a direct result of Shaw's undercover work, numerous narcotics and firearms, as well as money, were seized from illegal operations, city officials said. Shaw later served as sergeant and lieutenant within the narcotics division prior to becoming assistant chief.

During the ceremony, Shaw recognized his family for their support throughout his career in law enforcement.

"Without the support of my family, my son, my daughter [and] my wife, who every day support every decision I make," Shaw said in a statement, "I believe they give me the support to be the person I need to be."