Two officers were promoted to the rank of sergeant during a ceremony Monday at the Derby Police Department.
The promotions are the latest in a re-organization of the department under Chief Gerald Narowski, who took over in October.
Part of Narowski’s plan was to increase the number of sergeants within the department.
“The rank requires a keen understanding of all aspects of policing,” said Lt. Justin Stanko, the department’s operations commander.
The two officers named sergeant are Brian Grogan, a member of the department since 2006 and John Netto, a member of the department since 2000.
They were sworn in with an oath administered by Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri.
Grogan has a master’s degree in criminal justice management from the University of New Haven.
During a brief speech to about 40 people in attendance, Grogran thanked his parents for teaching him the value of hard work and the importance of having goals at a very young age.
Neto, who previously held the rank of detective in Derby, is a FBI-trained sniper observer.
Sergeants supervise patrol officers, among other duties.
“I have learned throughout my career that it is the alert patrol officer who has the answers,” Netto said. “They truly are the eyes and ears of the community.”
In addition to the new chief and sergeants, the Derby Police Department also has a new deputy chief — Scott Todd, who was promoted from lieutenant in January.
“This gives us full, professional supervision,” the chief said.
