Stonington — The Board of Police Commissioners on Friday defied the rank and file by selecting a member of the Connecticut State Police brass as the town's next chief.

Lt. Col. Jay DelGrosso was a Stonington officer from 1993 to 2000, when he joined the state police. He is now part of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection command staff, serving as commanding officer for field operations.

He will replace current Chief J. Darren Stewart, who is retiring.

After the decision was made at a meeting early Friday evening, Chairman Bob O'Shaughnessy said the board's charge was to select a candidate that would meet Stonington's present and future challenges with the best skill set and experience.

"The board of Police Commissioners would like to congratulate Lt. Col. DelGrosso on his appointment as police chief of Stonington," he said.

DelGrosso could not be reached for comment by press time.

DelGrosso was chosen over Stonington police Lt. Bryan Schneider, the favorite among officers and civilians in the 55-member department. Schneider met the news of the police commission's decision with acceptance Friday night.

"Along the way, you never know how things are going to turn out," Schneider said. "But I can accept it and I'll continue to do what I can for the town of Stonington."

The 21-year veteran of the department said he was grateful for the support shown by his peers and by other first responders in Stonington and surrounding towns.

O'Shaughnessy said the announcement was four months in the making as commissioners considered "a wide variety of applicants both internally and externally."

Advocates for Schneider argued the decision should have been made early in the process when the board first interviewed Schneider, the lone internal candidate. But commissioners instead opened it up to those outside the department, with nine outside candidates joining Schneider in contending for the position. The board brought in four candidates for interviews and then sent two finalists to sit before a panel of Connecticut police chiefs from Easton, Southington and Trumbull on Wednesday.

O'Shaughnessy said the panel reported back that both candidates were qualified to be chief.

"The commission is very proud of the work that Stonington officers have been doing over the last years and feel that will continue with our new chief," he said. "As a Stonington resident and former Stonington officer, the commission feels that Jay is the right choice to lead the department and to help enhance community engagement here in Stonington."

The chairman said the board thanked Schneider "and all the candidates who applied for the position."

DelGrosso's experience includes a stint as commanding officer at the Troop E state police barracks in Montville. He also served as commanding officer of the Eastern District Major Crime Squad and commander of the State Police Eastern District, which covers Tolland, Windham, Middlesex and New London counties.

Stonington Police Union President Lt. Mike Peckham acknowledged officers were "a little disappointed" with the board's decision. But he said protecting and serving the people of Stonington remains paramount.

"And our goal is to work with Lt. Col. DelGrosso in moving the department forward and continuing to provide the high level of service we've provided in the past," he said.

e.regan@theday.com