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Clinton Police Commission Has Finalist for Police Chief

In a special meeting on Feb. 18, the Board of Police Commissioners voted 3-2 to make a conditional job offer to New Canaan Police Captain Vincent DeMaio for the position of police chief for the town of Clinton.

DeMaio was one of two candidates who made it to the final round of interviews. John Carbone, Clinton’s deputy chief of police, was the other finalist.

The job offer is conditional, pending the successful negotiation of a contract and approval by the Board of Selectmen. At press time, a contract had not been finalized or signed.

DeMaio has been with the New Canaan Police Department since 1989, serving as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant before being promoted to captain in 2013. He has a B.A. in political science and government from UConn and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Haven.

“Vin DeMaio is second in command in New Canaan and has a very distinguished 27-year career with the town’s police force,” said Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Peter Niles. “He comes with high recommendations for his leadership skills and personnel skills and has the education, training, experience, and people skills we were looking for. He is very motivated.”

Some members of the Board of Police Commissioners felt DeMaio was the stronger candidate and, after a background check by private investigator Frank Rudewicz revealed nothing to eliminate either applicant, believed a planned second interview was unnecessary. Others argued that the interview, which had been planned and announced, would provide an opportunity for additional questions. They expressed concerns that canceling the second interview was improper and meant the board had not seen the entire process through.

Niles, Phillip Sengle, and Edward Tessman voted to forego the second interview and proceed with a conditional job offer. Board members June Hansen and Kim Neri-Simoncini were opposed.

DeMaio will be introduced to the Board of Selectmen at its next meeting, March 2 (after press time). Pending contract approval and signature, his official start date will be Monday, April 4.