The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Police chief to retire
Maniago had 36 years on the force
“I never wanted to do anything else.”
TORRINGTON — Chief of Police Michael Maniago made an unexpected announcement Thursday morning at City Hall: his last day on the job will be Friday, while his official retirement will occur June 16, after he’s used his accumulated time off.
Maniago has served as the Torring- ton Police Department’s chief since April 2009. He took over for former Police Chief Robert Milano, who retired earlier that year.
Maniago joined the force in 1982.
Through various initiatives, Maniago has encouraged the department to become more involved in the community and to be community-oriented policing officers. Last year, the department opened an office in Coe Memorial Park to better serve the city.
Acting Deputy Chief Wayne Newkirk will take on an added leadership role in the department, said Mayor Elinor Carbone. She said the appointment of an interim chief will be made with the consensus of the Board of Safety. Carbone added that she hadn’t yet decided whom she would select for the position.
The search for Maniago’s replacement will begin quickly as the budget season gears up.
“I expect some bumps in the road. That occurs with executive job searches,” Carbone noted.
Maniago’s retirement announcement was made to the media before his fellow police officers were informed.
“I’m going up there to tell them,” he said. Maniago predicted, however, that word would have spread before he returned to the police station.
In an emotional speech, Maniago read from a prepared statement.
“I realize there are good and fun things to do in life, especially with the one you’ve been married to for 31 years,” he said, with his wife Darlene, at this side. He mentioned that his grandfather, godfather and father were all police officers. “I never wanted to do anything else,” he said.
Maniago is a Torrington native.
The chief would not reveal his age, but noted “there is now more time used in the spent column of life than in the reserve column.” Maniago noted that he has three college degrees, including one from the FBI National Academy.
“The chief is a consum-
“No one person is ever responsible for the success of an organization.”
Michael Maniago, retiring Torrington police chief
mate professional,” said Board of Safety member Glenn A. McLeod. “It’s not an easy decision. It’s very personal.”
Maniago’s rise to police chief came in 2009 after Milano retired after 33 years with the department
“No one person is ever responsible for the success of an organization,” Maniago read from his statement.
He said he’s worked with three mayors during his tenure and many members of the Board of Safety.
Asked why he decided to retire during the budget process, Maniago said “I didn’t want to retire in the winter.”