Stonington — More than 150 people, many of them state and local police officers, filled the police station's community room and adjoining lobby Monday morning to watch former state police Lt. Col Jay DelGrosso be sworn in as the town's 10th police chief.

The swearing-in was a homecoming of sorts for DelGrosso, a longtime resident who began his career as a Stonington officer before moving on to the Connecticut State Police, where he last worked as a member of the command staff in charge of field operations.

"It was an amazing part of my life, but I'm ready to move on to the next chapter," DelGrosso said about his 22 years with the state police during his remarks. "I've always called this my police department."

DelGrosso, 51, also spoke of his time as a Stonington police officer from 1993 to 1999.

"I learned to be a police officer here. It was an unbelievable time to be here," he said. "I learned how to be part of the community. I learned about compassion. It started here for me."

DelGrosso replaces J. Darren Stewart, who retired last month after 38½ years in the department, the last 14 years as chief, making him the longest serving chief in the town's history. The Board of Police Commissioners chose DelGrosso from a field of 10 candidates, including the other finalist for the job, current Lt. Bryan Schneider. All of the department's 53 officers and civilian employees had signed a petition urging the board to hire Schneider. 

"I know I have to build trust again. I'm willing to put in the hard work to do that," DelGrosso said during his remarks on Monday.

After being sworn in by First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough, DelGrosso's wife, Erin, pinned on his badge while his daughter, Calisi, and son, Colton, looked on. Among those in attendance were New London State's Attorney Paul J. Narducci, state Sen. Heather Somers, R-18 District, State Rep. Greg Howard, R-43 District, incoming Superintendent of Schools Mary Anne Butler, former Police Chief David Erskine, Groton Town Police Chief L.J. Fusaro Jr., Westerly Town Manager and former Westerly Police Chief Shawn Lacey, Westerly Police Chief Paul Gingerella, town fire chiefs, and past and current members of the Board of Police Commissioners.  

Capt. Todd Olson, the department's second-in-command, called Monday "an exciting day for the town."

"We apologize to the state police for stealing Jay DelGrosso from you, but we had him first," Olson said. "We just lent him to you for 20 years," he joked. "We're happy to have him back and I'm looking forward to working with him for a long time."

Later, Olson said that DelGrosso has always been a great resource for the department, "and now we have him back here."

Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Bob O'Shaughnessey said the process of choosing a new chief took more than five months and was not an easy task. He thanked the commissioners and town administrative staff for their hard work.   

DelGrosso thanked everyone for attending Monday's swearing-in, including his "amazing brothers and sisters" with the state police.

"It means a lot to me that you are here  as I start this new chapter in my life," he said.  

j.wojtas@theday.com