FIRST SELECTMAN, TRUMBULL POLICE COMMISSION GIVE MICHAEL LOMBARDO OUTSTANDING REVIEW IN FIRST YEAR AS CHIEF OF POLICE
January 19, 2016 - - The Trumbull Police Commission and First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst have unanimously given Michael Lombardo a stellar evaluation in his first year as Chief of Police for the Town of Trumbull. Lombardo became Trumbull’s sixth Chief of Police on January 7, 2015, replacing Chief Thomas Kiely. In their review of the Chief, the First Selectman and the Commission touched upon numerous accomplishments that have occurred over the course of the last year. Chief Lombardo was the unanimous choice of the Trumbull Police Commission to lead a department of seventy-eight sworn officers that are responsible for the public safety of 36,000 town residents.
“When Chief Lombardo assumed his duties last January, I would have never imagined that a year later we would have so much to report in terms of accomplishments. It is truly a testament to his leadership and management skills,” stated Police Commission Chairman Roger McGovern, a Democrat. “He is moving the department forward immeasurably. Both Republicans and Democrats on the Police Commission agree that he is doing an amazing job.”
The First Selectman echoed Chairman McGovern’s sentiments. “I can say unequivocally that we have one of the best Police Chiefs in the State of Connecticut,” stated First Selectman Herbst. “Chief Lombardo has demonstrated himself to be a competent manager and administrator. He has the respect of the men and women of the Trumbull Police Department. Every Trumbull resident should know that when they put their head on the pillow at night we are safe and secure with Michael Lombardo at the helm.”
Among Lombardo’s Accomplishments In 2015:
• Implemented weekly staff meetings with the management team of the Trumbull Police Department. Also implemented full staff meetings which included all supervisors, lieutenants and command staff. As part of his immediate effort to increase collaboration and communication among the rank and file of the Trumbull Police Department, Chief Lombardo directed his administrative team to work with him to review and update of all police department policies to be compliant with law and POST Standards.
• Reduced overtime expenses ending the 2015 fiscal year with the lowest levels of overtime in three years. To further enhance efficiency and reduce cost, Chief Lombardo reorganized senior management positions to enhance efficiency across all divisions.
• Under Chief Lombardo’s leadership, the renovations to the dispatch, records and communication center are nearing completion on time and within budget. This further underscores his administrative ability to contain cost and properly administer budgets.
• The Trumbull Police Department was one of the first Police Departments in the State of Connecticut to introduce NARCAN for usage by patrolmen in the event of heroin overdose cases. As a result of introducing this life saving technique in our patrol vehicles, the Trumbull Police Department has made eight saves as a result of heroin overdoses since July 2015.
• The Trumbull Police Department has established the Project Lifesavers Program, a nationwide program that provides training and assistance in locating those that might be afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or autism.
• Chief Lombardo had made it a priority of publishing periodic editorials in local media outlets advising residents of public safety concerns and issues while at the same time recommending proactive measures that can be taken to help our local police department better protect the Town of Trumbull. This approach allows the Town’s chief public safety officer to directly interface with the residents of the community.
• Created the Trumbull Police Department’s first ever police bicycle patrol unit. This unit has allowed for and provided greater visibility of Trumbull police officers in the community, most especially in our parks system, which has improved officer call response to remote locations.
• Our scuba team was properly trained and inspected by independent experts in scuba operations for law enforcement. These efforts led to the re-establishment of the Trumbull Police Department’s Scuba Team for emergency response.
• Secured new uniforms for Trumbull’s officers.
• Successful in applying for and receiving grant funding to purchase first generation body worn cameras for patrol officers at no cost to the Town of Trumbull. These body cameras will guarantee that Trumbull police officers are protected from wrongful accusations. These efforts will also provide additional evidence that will better assist law enforcement in the successful prosecution of those that commit crimes.
• Instrumental in the formation of the First Selectman’s Drug Prevention Task Force. This has led to greater collaboration with school officials and organizations that are dedicated to alcohol and drug prevention.
• Chief Lombardo has also built strong relationships with the town’s largest taxpayer, the Westfield Trumbull Shopping Park. Chief Lombardo was successful in the re-establishment of a police substation at the mall. This is critical to better protecting the general public.
• Perhaps most significantly, Trumbull has begun the much needed process of obtaining accreditation for the Trumbull Police Department. Having accreditation long term will reduce liability to the Trumbull Police Department. Further, it will demonstrate to any and all outside third parties that the Trumbull Police Department is a professional law enforcement agency. Chief Lombardo’s service as the Vice President of the Connecticut Police Chief’s Association will immeasurably assist in achieving these objectives.