Carla Bucherati and her husband, Seymour Police Chief John Bucherati.
SEYMOUR – The town’s new Police Chief John Bucherati, along with three of the Seymour Police Department’s newly promoted men in blue, were officially sworn into office Thursday (March 24).
More than 100 people gathered in the auditorium of Seymour Middle School as First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R‑105, took turns administering the oaths to Bucherati, Inspector Joseph Matusovich IV, Deputy Police Chief Michael Fappiano and Detective Patrick Dempsey.
“Police officers shoulder a heavy burden with overwhelming responsibilities,” said Drugonis. “While responding to impossible situations, they are expected to act not only as officers, but as social workers, counselors and medics. They are expected to respond to calls that encompass the very worst moments of the lives of our citizens. And many times, and on many days, they will be called upon to accomplish what exceeds the bounds of what any human should endure. And they do this, again and again without hesitation, while demonstrating the highest professionalism.”
Drugonis lauded the families of the officers, as well, saying their unwavering support, coupled with “our exemplary officers,” enables the police department to excel.
“Each day our children attend school, each time we find care in our greatest moments of need, and each day they are called upon to act as our protectors, we owe our offers a debt that can never be repaid,” Drugonis said. “For all the times your heroism and compassion go unrecognized or taken for granted, as a resident, elected official, and most importantly, a mother, thank you.”
Klarides-Ditria, who is married to Seymour Police Detective Steve Ditria, knows the importance of having a strong police department, and said the recent promotions of Matusovich, Dempsey and Fappiano, and hiring of Bucherati, will serve Seymour well.
“I know when I go to bed at night, I feel a little bit safer knowing that these men and women are protecting us every day,” Klarides-Ditria said.
Police Commissioner John Duke said he’s confident in the abilities of the four officers in their new positions.
“They will be setting the example of what is expected of all of our officers,” Duke said. “With their guidance and their leadership, they will assist in leading the men and women of the Seymour Police Department into this new and exciting chapter in our department’s history. I am very confident they will collectively take the Seymour Police Department to new heights and make it the model of what a professional department should be.”
Inspector Joseph Matusovich, Detective Patrick Dempsey, Deputy Chief Michael Fappiano and Police Chief John Bucherati.
Bucherati came onboard Jan. 1, replacing former Police Chief Paul Satkowski, who retired after nearly 30 years in law enforcement. A Valley resident who grew up in Seymour, Bucherati brings 31 years of experience to the job. He began his police career with the Fairfield Police Department in 1990 and worked his way through the ranks to deputy chief. A 1989 graduate of Seymour High School, and former volunteer with Seymour Ambulance Association,. he will earn an annual salary of $125.000.
Bucherati told the crowd of fellow police officers, town officials, family and friends that he is excited to have come home to Seymour.
“This is an exciting time for the Seymour Police Department as we continue to navigate the ever-changing necessities of being a modern, 21st century police department,” Bucherati said, praising Satkowski for his three decades of service to the profession. “I understand what a good police officer adds to his or her community every day. In the short time I have been here, I have seen firsthand how the men and women of the Seymour Police Department do their jobs, and I could not be any more proud of them. I am confident the Town of Seymour is in good hands.”
Bucherati, 50, credited his wife, Carla, and daughters Megan and Morgan for their “unwavering love, support and guidance,” as he embarks on his “next tour of duty” in Seymour.
“As Chief, I will continue to strengthen the trust between the department and our residents, build and maintain accountability throughout the department, and perhaps most importantly, make sure our officers are ambassadors for peace, justice and tolerance in our community,” Bucherati added. “Policing in the year 2022 is a lot different than it was 31 years ago. Technology needs are expansive and ever-changing, the need for ongoing community policing is more important than ever and social media has become entrenched in our everyday lives. I will do everything I can to ensure every member of this department embodies the values and ideals of a 21st century police officer.”
Chief John Bucherati and Inspector Joseph Matusovich.
