Norwich — During his promotion to the rank of deputy chief on Wednesday, former police Captain Patrick J. Daley already was looking forward. 

Achieving accreditation for the department, expanding community relations in a “post-Ferguson world,” updating facility needs and tackling the issue of an inconsistent radio system are among the goals Daley said he had planned. 

“Truly our best days are ahead,” he said. 

Daley accepted congratulations along with his new shield before a group of current and former co-workers, family and friends during a ceremony at police headquarters. The group included a contingency of firefighters from the East Great Plain Fire Department, where Daley has served as chief since 2000. 

Daley traces the roots of his 21-year career with the police department to his service at the fire department. He followed a family tradition and started volunteering in 1986 after his graduation from Norwich Free Academy. His father, the late Edward Daley, and brother, William Daley, were both volunteer firefighters there. 

Daley said he worked side by side with police officers who were also volunteers, and it was that exposure that led him toward a career in law enforcement in 1993. 

Norwich Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro said Daley had earned the promotion by not only rising to the top of a group of what was eventually six qualified candidates, but he also earned the rank by being a “go-to” employee. 

“His past performance has shown that he is not only the best person for deputy chief but also the best suited to move the department forward into the future,” Fusaro said. 

After his wife, Jennifer, pinned a new badge to his lapel, Daley thanked family, former supervising officers and the community. 

“I’m blessed that I work in Norwich. I love Norwich,” Daley said. “It’s a community that supports its police department.” 

Daley fills a vacancy left by Warren Mocek, who retired in October. 

The promotion leaves a vacancy at the captain’s position. That position was posted by the city last week and is open to city employees only. It is advertised at a salary of between $92,953 to $95,336. The application deadline is March 25.

The deputy chief’s position was posted last year with a salary of $103,000.

g.smith@theday.com 

Twitter: @SmittyDay