Retired Hamden Police Captain Appointed Chief In Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, CT — Deputy Police Chief Ronald Smith Jr. has been appointed as the new Chief of Police in Woodbridge, officials announced.

Smith was selected from a pool of 20 applicants following a comprehensive search process led by the town’s volunteer Board of Police Commissioners, officials said in a news release.

“Smith brings decades of experience in law enforcement, having begun his career as a patrol officer with the Hamden Police Department,” officials wrote in the news release. “He advanced through the ranks, serving as Detective, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and was promoted to Captain in 2006. In August 2021, he joined the Woodbridge Police Department as Deputy Chief of Police.”

Smith was officially appointed Chief of Police by the Board of Police Commissioners on July 21.

“The Woodbridge Police Commission unanimously and enthusiastically selected Deputy Chief Ronald E. Smith from among a pool of outstanding candidates as the next Chief of Police,” said Dr. Robert Scalettar, Chair of the Woodbridge Police Commission. “We are confident that under Chief Smith’s leadership, the Woodbridge Police Department will continue its tradition of outstanding service to our community and will ably meet the challenges ahead.”

Smith said, “I am honored to be selected as the Chief of Police for the Town of Woodbridge. I look forward to serving this great community with integrity, transparency, and respect.”

“Chief Smith has earned the trust of his department and the broader community through his professionalism and leadership,” First Selectman Mica Cardozo said. “We are fortunate to have him leading our police department and continuing to uphold the values that keep Woodbridge a safe and welcoming place to live.”

Smith succeeds Chief Frank Cappiello, who recently retired after 45 years of service, and will continue working closely with town leadership, the Police Commission, and the community to advance public safety and community engagement, according to the news release.

See also: Hamden Police Captain Takes New Position In Woodbridge