Danbury’s loss is Newtown’s gain, said Police Commission Chairman Joel Faxon, as the commission named Brian Bishop, the commanding officer of Danbury Police Department Detective Division, as Captain of Newtown Police Department.

The decision was approved unanimously by members of the Police Commission at its March 1 meeting, following the departure of Captain Chris Vanghele who left in January to become Chief of Plainville Police Department.

Faxon said there were “several highly qualified” applicants for the open captain position, and Bishop presented to them “an impressive resume and long list of achievements at the Danbury Police Department.” The hiring was a “competitive process.”

“We made the decision that Brian was the best person for the job,” said Faxon. “He was an asset to the Danbury Police Department, and it’s extraordinary to take an asset from one PD and bring it here. I look forward to many years of community involvement, safety, and prosperity for the department.”

Bishop said it was “an incredible honor” to receive the opportunity to be the second in command at Newtown Police Department.

“I really appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me and look forward to working with you all in the future,” Bishop said.

Police Chief David Kullgren said he was “very happy that the commission went this route” and Bishop would be “an asset to the department.”

“We made this decision with everyone in the department in mind,” said Kullgren. “[Bishop] has the qualities and personality to fit the department. I look forward to him coming on board and working with him.”

Kullgren said Bishop’s start date was still being worked out. As a new hire from out of the department, there is a need to administer a polygraph test and do a background check.

As an administrative hire, Bishop is exempt from having to take a written test or to take a Cooper’s physical test, “but he has to comply with everything else over the next three weeks.” Kullgren believed a definite start date would be known within the next two weeks.

Faxon said Bishop "has had an exemplary career, the checks won’t be a problem.”

There are still a number of positions left to hire at the local PD, including entry level, sergeants and lieutenants, said Kullgren. A sergeants exam is expected to be conducted March 17, with one or more promotions expected by the end of March.

A lieutenant’s list for consideration will be compiled in early April, with one current position open and a second possibly coming open. The position or positions are expected to be filled by May.

Bishop is a Shelton resident, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. He was the detective captain at Danbury Police Department, the commanding officer of the Detective Division. Additionally, he was the commanding officer for the Regional Emergency Services Unit.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity here,” said Bishop.

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