Norwalk Deputy Police Chief Wrinn moving on

NORWALK, Conn. – Deputy Norwalk Police Chief David Wrinn is retiring effective March 31.

Wrinn handed over a letter Monday to the Norwalk Police Commission, saying that it was with “mixed emotions” that he is retiring, as after “long thought and much discussion” he had decided to take advantage of an opportunity that has come his way.

“An opportunity recently came up in a field I have always been interested in and I felt it was the right move for my family and I. I love my job at the NPD and it’s really tough to leave after 31 years, but it is the right choice,” Wrinn said in a late-night email to NancyOnNorwalk.

“Dave has served the city of Norwalk well for many, many years, over 30 years,” Mayor Harry Rilling said. “He has been a very dedicated and professional employee – not only that, he has been a good friend. We wish him well. It is always difficult when you leave a career that you love and Dave certainly loved his career.”

“He was promoted to Deputy Chief when I was appointed Chief (in July 2012) and I could not ask for a more loyal and professional Deputy to assist me,” Chief Thomas Kulhawik said in an email. “He was tireless in working both for the department and the community. He always went above and beyond to respond to the needs of the community. I was fortunate to work with him and I am very sorry to see him leave, but understand the opportunity that has presented itself to him. I wish him and Amy the very best. He is not a just a co-worker, but they both have become true friends to my wife and I. He brought so much to the table, much of which we will not be able to replace.”

Wrinn’s letter included these thoughts:

“My career as a police officer began in August 1984. Thirty-one years later I can still say with conviction that each day I take great pride in being able to identify myself as a Norwalk Police Officer. This is the finest police department in Connecticut, and that greatness comes from the professionalism of the men and women of this department, whom I am proud to call my brother and sister police officers.

“I hope that during my tenure I was able to contribute in a meaningful way to making my lifelong home a better and safer place for my fellow residents and family. It has been an immense honor and privilege serving this community for these last three decades.

“There is a saying: ‘Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.’ This sentiment epitomizes my thirty-one years here. Every day I have been grateful to be a part of this department and to work alongside men and women whom I respect and admire.”

Rilling called it a “very nice letter.”

“You know what?” Rilling said. “If you can move on in your life and say that you have enjoyed going to work every day then you have been a success.”