The future for Newtown and its police department is looking “very bright,” Police Commission Chairman Joel Faxon said during the formal swearing in ceremony for new Police Chief David Kullgren on February 11.

With Kullgren moving into his new position with 31 years in law enforcement and “extraordinary credentials,” Faxon said he’s “looking forward” to the future for the department.

Police Commissioner Brian Budd lauded Kullgren for his work ethic and integrity.

“Dave’s body of work, with the things he’s done and the time he’s put in, is relentless,” said Budd. “Work ethic and integrity pays off.”

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said he was “really happy” with where the Police Commission landed with its choice of a new police chief.

“Congratulations to Dave, to his family, and to the department,” Rosenthal said. “Good things are coming for us under Dave’s leadership.”

Rosenthal noted that Kullgren is the department’s sixth chief, which means it is averaging 10 years per chief. Rosenthal joked that former Police Chief James Viadero only gave the town six years so Kullgren needs to put in “at least 10.”

As Newtown is a “vibrant community,” the foundation of that is the police department, the first selectman said.

“The PD is the cornerstone and face of the government,” said Rosenthal. “It’s a tough time to be an officer because of politics right now but our department knows its community appreciates it. Their interactions with the public are overwhelmingly positive. The department is built on community engagement.”

Kullgren said he was feeling many emotions at the ceremony.

“This is a job I’m humbled to have, honored, and emotional,” said Kullgren. “I take it to heart with utmost seriousness.”

Following the ceremony, Kullgren told The Newtown Bee that the department is looking to fill out several vacancies, particularly the captain, which was vacated when Christopher Vanghele was hired to be Plainville’s new chief of police. Additionally, there will be promotions to sergeant and lieutenant.

“It’s a tall order to fill those holes,” said Kullgren, who noted the Police Commission will work with him to fill the captain’s position.

In filling in some of Kullgren’s old duties, Charlie Guernsey will be the new lead drone pilot and Matt Pirhala will be the back-up drone pilot.

Among Kullgren’s accomplishments within the department is bringing in new technology over the past 10-15 years, including moving the department’s accident report system from “pen and paper to 3D imaging.” He also created a drone unit that has “become a regional asset,” and brought online scheduling and time bank management to the department.

Regionally, he has worked with a team from Fairfield County Police Officer Association to help create an online recertification portal during the pandemic. Officers can now do recertification training online instead of getting “hundreds of cops in a gym.”

He also helped form the Fairfield County Blue Plan, which provides mutual aid between departments.

A mostly impromptu swearing-in ceremony was conducted during the February 1 Police Commission meeting. Members of the department, the commission, and his family were in attendance for that event.

Viadero announced his departure on December 7. As chief inspector at the Office of the Inspector General, he will be responsible for investigating police shootings, “a very important role that we fully support him in,” said Police Commission Faxon.

Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.