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Middletown recognizes police promotions; chief highlights youth outreach and service coordinator role
Summary
The City of Middletown honored promotions within its police department at the May 20 common council meeting. Chief Wansu pinned Lieutenant Charles Petrone and Sergeant Michael Napoli, described ongoing youth programs and said council would be asked to approve a service-coordinator agreement.
The City of Middletown on May 20 recognized internal promotions in the Middletown Police Department, pinning Lieutenant Charles Petrone and Sergeant Michael Napoli during the common council meeting and highlighting department programs that connect officers with youth and community services.
Chief Wansu opened the remarks, praising the department and introducing the two officers: "I'm extremely proud of each and every one of you, and I have the privilege to witness the dedication, commitment, and commitment that each of you give in your specific roles," he said. The chief gave a brief biography of each promoted officer and pinned them at the front of the council chamber.
Lieutenant Charles Petrone was described as a 12½-year department veteran who began his Middletown career on Sept. 10, 2012, and was promoted to lieutenant on March 14, 2024; the chief said Petrone has served as a field training officer and instructor on taser, crisis intervention and active-shooter response. Sergeant Michael Napoli, a six-year Middletown officer who joined the department on June 17, 2019, was promoted to sergeant on April 19, 2024; the chief said Napoli now serves as a first-line supervisor tasked with mentoring patrol officers.
The chief also recognized three detectives who were promoted in the last 18 months but were not present: Detective Patrick Gass (promoted Feb. 11, 2023), Detective Sarah Colletti (promoted Oct. 9, 2023) and Detective Barone (promoted March 22, 2024). He apologized for the delay in holding the formal ceremony.
Beyond promotions, Chief Wansu highlighted the department's leadership academy and youth outreach programs. He said the academy has led participants to reassess their views of policing: "Overwhelmingly, they reported changed opinions and had a positive experience with police officers," he said, describing partnerships with the school district and the Orange County Youth Bureau.
The chief also briefed the council on a contract to continue a city-funded service coordinator who brings service providers together. He told the council the coordinator recently hosted an event at the library that assembled more than 30 service organizations to coordinate community support efforts.
Council members praised the promotions and the department's community work during remarks. Several aldermen noted the leadership academy and youth programming as important for building local relationships. The council later approved a resolution to accept a grant and authorize an agreement related to the service coordinator position (see "Votes at a glance").
Ending: The council ceremony and the chief's remarks underscored the department's emphasis on internal promotion and community engagement; the police chief said the department will continue leadership training and recruitment efforts and that the next leadership academy is scheduled for September.
