"Fitzy" to Become Police Chief in Winchester, Conn.

Lt. William Fitzgerald, a longtime member of the Newport Police Department and commander of the Community Oriented Policing Unit, will bid farewell to the City-by-the-Sea as he moves on to the next chapter in his law enforcement career.

Fitzgerald, who has been in the running for several police chief jobs in New England over the past few months, has been chosen to lead the police department in Winchester, Conn.

Fitzgerald was picked after a unanimous vote by the Winchester Board of Selectmen, the Register Citizen reported.

“I would really like to make this department a model, like we are in Newport,” Fitzgerald said. “Thank you for the confidence and the support, and we’re ready to get going right off the bat. Can’t wait to start — I’m really excited about bringing my family up here.”

Fitzgerald has served Newport since 1986.

He is expected to start his new job by May.