Michael Fappiano is Seymour PD's latest deputy chief.
SEYMOUR – A familiar face around the Seymour Police Department has been named the new deputy police chief.
Commander Michael Fappiano, with the department since 2007, was unanimously named to fill the vacant, second deputy chief position by the Board of Police Commissioners at its meeting Feb. 16.
Fappiano, 38, is expected to begin his new role March 4, according to Police Chief John Bucherati. He will earn an annual salary of $105,000. There were two applicants for the job.
“Mike has been a valuable resource to me in my transition here,” said Bucherati, who began his new job as chief Jan. 1. “He possesses a great deal of institutional knowledge and has been one of my go-to people to answer questions. He is involved in many projects here, most notably the body camera training and roll out. He will be a tremendous asset to the department in his new role.”
Fappiano joins the department’s other Deputy Chief Roberto Rinaldi to the rank of second in command. The second deputy chief’s position has been open since March 2020, when former Deputy Chief Steve Prajer retired after nearly 30 years with the department.
Bucherati said the deputy chiefs have different jobs and functions, and it’s important to have both positions back at full steam.
“This position will be responsible for many administrative tasks, such as internal investigations, policy and procedures, training and now will be tasked with required duties added because of the police accountability act,” Bucherati said. “Mike will be tasked with many things, such as internal affairs, accreditation-which may be a full time job in and of itself- body and vehicle camera oversight, administration and compliance.”
The married father of three — who was named the department’s Police Officer of the Year in 2016 and was a Mothers Against Drunk Driving award recipient — said he’s looking forward to his new role.
“Being in the role of deputy chief will allow me to encourage and assist our officers to grow both personally and professionally as they advance through their careers, which ultimately will positively impact the community that we serve,” Fappiano said.
Fappiano began his career in law enforcement here in 2007 as a patrol officer. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven, as well as bachelor’s certificates from UNH in forensic computer investigation, law enforcement science, and fire and arson investigation. He worked his way through the ranks, having served as a member of the Emergency Services Unit, was a Field Training Officer, and was later promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2014, and Commander in 2018.
From an early age, Fappiano said he knew a career in law enforcement was for him,
“I was always interested and intrigued with criminal investigation,” he said. “In high school, I had the opportunity to attend a citizens police academy and go on ride alongs with officers. From that point on, I knew that I wanted to enter the field of law enforcement.”
While the profession has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, Fappiano wouldn’t change the path he chose.
“Law enforcement as a profession is challenging at times, but over the years, I have found it to be a very rewarding career,” he said. “The calls for service are always changing. You are there to assist people in times of need, and can ultimately have a meaningful impact.”
Police Commission Chairman Kyle Kelley said Fappiano was the right fit for the job.
“Commander Fappiano has had an impressive career,” Kelley said. “He has received many awards over the years including a lifesaving award, unit citations and in 2016, Seymour Police Officer of the Year. He is hard-working, motivated and dedicated. Having been with the Seymour Police Department for over 14 years and after interviewing Commander Fappiano, all five commissioners were confident he is the right person for the job. We’re excited for him to continue to excel and to work alongside the other dedicated men and women of the Seymour Police Department.”
