NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck Police Department’s second-in-command is moving on to a new job at a new department.
Deputy Police Chief Joshua Bernegger submitted his letter of resignation to the borough on Feb. 21. His last day in Naugatuck is March 8.
“I have a lot of mixed emotions. I am leaving a lot of friends behind but I am not going to be too far away,” Bernegger said.
Bernegger said he’s taking the deputy chief of police job with the Watertown Police Department.
“My career serving the borough of Naugatuck has been exceptional. I have very much enjoyed all the relationships I have built over my course of years here. I wish the very best for the borough and the Naugatuck Police Department,” Bernegger said. “I look forward to continue working with them in the future and grow the cooperative relationship between the Naugatuck Police Department and the Watertown Police Department.”
Bernegger has worked at the Naugatuck Police Department for 22 years and became deputy police chief in 2010. Last August, the borough renewed his contract through June 30, 2020. His salary this fiscal year in Naugatuck is $110,860.
Watertown Town Manager Robert Scannell said the town used the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association to facilitate its search, and Bernegger made an impression.
“Josh did stand out due to his experience and education,” Scannell said.
Scannell said last week Bernegger’s contract with Watertown was still being finalized.
Watertown Police Chief John Gavallas echoed Scanell’s sentiments about Bernegger.
“Josh brings a great deal of knowledge and dedication to the Watertown law enforcement,” Gavallas said.
He added, “His grant writing abilities and knowledge gives him the ability to have success in the role of deputy chief. I have no doubt he will be a strong asset to our management team.”
The Naugatuck Police Commission has created an executive search committee to find the borough’s next deputy chief. The search is expected to look at internal candidates within the department first.
Bernegger’s resignation came after the commission approved hiring Capt. Steven Hunt as the new police chief to replace Police Chief Christopher Edson. Edson’s last day is March 2.
The Republican-American contributed to this article.
