Oct. 11—NEW LONDON — New London Police Capt. Matthew Galante considers himself a glass half-full person who looks for the positive in every situation.
In a profession with dramatic highs and lows, it hasn’t always been easy, as Galante says a police officer can go to a presentation at an elementary school one day and to the door of a murder victim’s family the next.
Galante has decided to retire after 26 years, the day he started his career in law enforcement, and said he is doing so in a positive, if not bittersweet way. Friday was his last day.
The 49-year-old married father of two has worked in New London since 1998 and said the timing was right. His decision was precipitated by upcoming changes to the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System’s pension payments.
“I feel blessed to have endured 26 years in law enforcement. Not everyone gets to retire and not every family gets to see their loved one retire,” Galante said.
Chief Brian Wright and the city’s chief administrative officer, Steven Fields, congratulated Galante on his retirement and said he would be difficult to replace.
“Captain Galante has exemplified the core values of integrity, professionalism and service that define the New London Police Department throughout his career,” said Wright. “His contributions made a real difference, and his absence will certainly be felt by his colleagues, the City of New London and the many people whose lives he touched.”
“Your incredible professionalism, inspiring passion for others and the safety and quality of life in the New London Community will be missed,” Fields added.
Galante’s departure leaves two vacant captain positions in the department, with Todd Bergeson the only remaining captain. The third captain position has not been filled since Wright was promoted from captain to chief in 2021. The deputy police chief position has been vacant since 2015 and those duties are shared by Wright, Bergeson and Galante. The city is seeking candidates for the position of deputy chief.
Wright did not provide details on when to expect promotions. Galante was the Support Services Commander at the time of retirement, leading the Traffic Unit, Records Division, 911 Dispatch Center, Training and Evidence Divisions and Fleet Management. He served as the department’s public information officer, fielding inquiries from the press and public.
Galante is a graduate of Ledyard High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut with a major in sociology and a minor in criminal justice. His first job was with the Guilford Police Department, but he joined the New London department as soon as it was hired.
Galante has held numerous positions in the department and looks back on his time as a K9 officer and later as a detective as one of the most fulfilling. He worked as a K9 officer from 2004 to 2009 and, along with his dog Ike, received the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K9 Award from the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association for his work that year in Waterford and Norwich to track down two suicidal people.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2013, lieutenant in 2016 and captain in 2021.
Reflecting on his career in New London, Galante said, “My positives far outweigh my negatives.”
“I like it here in New London. I feel comfortable here. I know a lot of people in the community and work with a great group of men and women,” Galante said. “It’s sad to leave them, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life.”
Galante said he has not yet decided on his next career choice.
Asked how public sentiment toward police has changed over the years, Galante said, “Attitudes toward law enforcement swing like a pendulum.”
“We went through a difficult period there after the murder of George Floyd,” he said. “We were on the back end of the pendulum. I feel like it’s coming full circle, and the respect for law enforcement is there. Even those who talk negatively about us still call us when they need us.”
He added that law enforcement is a noble profession and I would encourage younger people to look into it.”
g.smith@theday.com
