On January 3, 2022 (last evening) the Plainville Town Council unanimously (7-0) appointed Christopher Vanghele as the new Police Chief. He will begin his duties on January 31, 2022.
Chris Vanghele has been a Newtown Police Officer for 28 ½ years beginning his service in June 1993.
He is a Captain and has served as the second-in-command for them for five years. As Captain he runs the day-to-day operations, manages the individual bureau departments, manages the budget, leads the department towards its mission, institutes and manages policies and procedures, and is the liaison for other town and outside agencies.
He has also served as a Lieutenant (6 years), Sergeant (11 years), School Resource Officer (2 years), Statewide Narcotics Task Force Officer (2 years), and Patrol Officer (4 years).
He serves as the Newtown Police Department’s Grant Writer and created the Department’s Citizen Police Academy and served as its Coordinator for 7 years. He is also a POST Certified Law Enforcement Instructor in Domestic Violence serving in that capacity for the past 16 years.
Captain Vanghele is also the Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Fairfield County Police Training Officer’s Association and has served as an Associate Professor at POST University teaching classes in the criminal justice system.
He has received “Awards & Decorations” from the Newtown Police Department, CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Fraternal Order of Police – Lodge 704, AFSME Council 15, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Department of Children & Families, and the State of CT General Assembly.
He has also utilized his training and presentation skills to speak about his experiences as a first responder to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting to various law enforcement and other groups across the country in 17 states.
Captain Vanghele has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from UCONN and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the American Military Academy. He also completed training at the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute of Police, the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development Leadership Institute, Sacred Heart University Police Leadership Institute, and the F.B.I. New England Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.
Chris has lived Woodbury with his wife Kimberly for the last 19 years. They have been married for 22 years and have two children – Christopher who attends Central CT State University and Lauren who attends UCONN.
Captain Vanghele describes himself as an extremely competent, educated, and confident law enforcement professional with a history of progressive responsibilities and diverse experience. He is dedicated to the idea of professional development and has always worked tirelessly to better his Department, Its Officers, and their relationship with the community.
On a personal note, I have come to know that Chris is very personable, enjoys speaking with citizens, and has a wry sense of humor. I believe he will serve the residents of Plainville in fine fashion.
Chief Vanghele is a former member of the Fairfield Police Cadet Post 279.
Congratulations Chief!