Set to Move On, Capt. Bongiorno Looks Back at Career in Arlington

It was a moment of police solidarity for a nearby town, after a last December during an armed robbery.

Captain Robert “Bob” Bongiorno recalled standing shoulder to shoulder with about 40 members of his department at the wake for Woburn's John “Jack” Maguire.

"At this moment, there was a sense of pride for being in the Arlington Police Department," he said from behind his desk, in a navy blue uniform, golden Arlington police patches on both his shoulders.

As Bongiorno, 42, an Arlington native, moves on from his position as captain to police chief in Bedford, the consensus among community leaders is that his departure would be a great loss to the town and wonderful gain for Bedford. He strove to make himself as accessible as possible, and with a welcoming, positive personality and inclusive approach, he largely accomplished that, community leaders said.

“He has a wonderful warm personality that really helps him with his police work,” said Clarissa Rowe, chair of the . “It has really helped the town come across as a caring town, which I think it needs to be.”

Bongiorno is set to start the new position in Bedford on July 18 with a starting salary of $131,000. He started in Arlington as a patrol officer in 1996 and rose to captain two years ago. He also worked as the department's public information officer during his time as captain. Prior to Arlington, he worked as an officer in Concord for five years.

As captain, he has been in charge of the operations division, which includes patrol, traffic and community services units, along with school crossing guards and parking control officers—about 70 uniformed personnel, he said.

His daily duties involved managing what he described as internal and external requirements: ensuring quality police service internally through the patrol division; and addressing community concerns and attending town meetings, externally.

“I think as a result of working with the community, we were really able to foster a sense of trust,” Bongiorno said. “That’s one of the areas I’m most proud of, on a personal level.”

He said a major priority among Arlington residents is traffic issues, which he sought to make as one of his main focuses.

Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Kevin Greeley, who has known Bongiorno since before he became an officer, said Bongiorno has significantly helped traffic and parking issues in Arlington Center, Arlington Heights and East Arlington.

Greeley said Bongiorno approached traffic issues in a way that was inclusive, effective and overall representative of his style as captain. He met with residents and then made proposals to the selectmen—even suggestions for stop sign locations or speed limit changes.

Bongiorno’s departure is a “tremendous loss for the town of Arlington and wonderful gain for the town of Bedford,” Greeley said. The board has never received a complaint about the captain in any form, he said.

“A spotless record, as far as we’re concerned,” Greeley said.

Bongiorno was also a member of the Board of Youth Services, Boys and Girls Club and Department of Children and Families, during his time at the department.

Chief Fred Ryan said Bongiorno was a great addition to the department.

“I'm obviously proud of Capt. Bongiorno's accomplishments and overwhelmingly pleased with his performance with APD,” Ryan said in an email. “He has been an effective leader and incredible creative problem solver who always put the organization first.”

Ryan said the department has not yet determined Bongiorno’s replacement, but past performance will be the main consideration in the decision.

Bongiorno said he and his wife,  Director Christine Connelly, were already looking to move to Bedford, and coincidentally the chief position was open, making it an ideal situation. He said Bedford has a lot of similar qualities that he values about Arlington, such as the education system and governance, along with access to Boston.

“I’m honored and humbled to have been selected as the chief of police in Bedford,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve the community.”

As Bongiorno sat at his desk in the Mystic Street office, he and Chief Ryan laughed and joked that his contributions to the department weren’t much. In a testament to his sense of humor, he wrote “you’re fired” on his white board calendar on his last day in Arlington.

He said he is extremely grateful for the opportunity the town, chief and staff gave him to serve Arlington and will miss the community. He and Connelly would joke because whenever he went to the supermarket, he would always see someone he knew.

“I would run into a resident, and talk about whatever issues are affecting the town. I enjoy that and I’ll miss that.”