Newtown Police Department (NPD) said farewell to two longtime patrol officers last month.

Both retirements were expected, according to discussions during recent Board of Police Commissioners meetings.

After 32 years as a patrol officer with NPD, Robert Haas retired as of July 1.

Haas, a US Army vet, started his law enforcement career in 1979 as an officer with the New Fairfield Police Department, and became an auxiliary patrol officer for Newtown in 1983. He was hired as a full-time officer in January 1989 and has been serving the community ever since, according to a statement on the department’s Facebook page.

He could often be found running radar on major roadways and is well known in the community, also according to the Facebook page.

Among his accolades, Haas received the American Automobile Association’s Traffic Safety Hero of The Year Award in 2018 for his efforts to educate and protect the traveling public. Fellow police officers nominated him in recognition of his work in accident reconstruction, traffic safety, and speed enforcement.

“Bob is the kind of guy who can talk to just about anybody,” said NPD Sergeant Jeff Silver. “He is able to connect and make people feel more comfortable, which diffuses a lot of situations. He is a caring individual who has dedicated his career to helping others, and we wish him the best as he moves forward in the next chapter of his life.”

Four weeks later, Gladys Pisani retired from NPD with more than 24 years of service. Pisani was a DARE and school resource officer in Newtown’s schools and also did patrol work, often getting around on the patrol bicycle.

She is, according to Silver, is an avid fitness enthusiast, and always willing to take on new challenges.

“Officer Pisani really cares about people,” Silver posted on the department’s Facebook page July 30. “She touched a lot of young lives through her time in the schools and continued to have a positive effect on the community when she returned to patrol. Her dedication and work ethic are inspirational, and we wish her the best in the future,” the statement continued.

One of the department’s detectives is also on the verge of retirement.

NPD has welcomed three new officers to its ranks this year. Peter Wlasuk Jr was sworn in on January 6. Hugo Rojas, who retired in 2020 from the NYPD, was sworn in at 191 South Main Street on April 8. Less than a week later, the department celebrated the swearing-in of Frank Piazza.