Oct. 11—NEW LONDON — New London Police Capt. Matthew Galante thinks of himself as a “glass half full” kind of guy, looking for the positives in any situation.
It has not always been easy in a profession with dramatic highs and lows that Galante said can take a police officer to an elementary school presentation one day and to the doorstep of the family of a murder victim the next.
Galante has decided to retire after 26 years to the day that he started his law enforcement career and said he is doing so on a positive, if not bittersweet, note. His last day was Friday.
The 49-year-old married father of two has worked in New London since 1998 and said the timing was right. His decision was hastened by upcoming changes to pension payments from the Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System.
“I feel blessed to have made it through 26 years in law enforcement. Not every person is able to retire from this job 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 hard to replace.
“Capt. Galante throughout his career has exemplified the core values of integrity, professionalism, and service that define the New London Police Department,” Wright said. “His contributions have 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 has 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 at the department, with Todd Bergeson the lone remaining captain. The third captain’s 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 have been shared by Wright, Bergeson and Galante. The city is seeking applicants for the deputy chief position.
Wright did not offer details on when to expect promotions. Galante, at the time of retirement, was commander of support services, managing the traffic unit, records division, 911 dispatch center, training and evidence divisions and fleet management. He served as the department’s public information officer, handling inquires from the press and public.
Galante is a Ledyard High School graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut with a major in sociology and minor in criminal justice. His first job was at the Guilford Police Department, but he joined the New London department as soon as they were hiring.
Galante has served in numerous roles at the department and looks back on his time as a K9 officer, and later as a detective, as some of the most fulfilling duties. He worked as a K9 officer from 2004 and 2009 and with his dog Ike was awarded the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K9 Award by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association for work tracking down two suicidal people in Waterford and Norwich that year.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2013, lieutenant in 2016 and captain in 2021.
Looking back on his career in New London, Galante said “my positives far outweigh my negatives.”
“I like it here in New London. I’m 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 made a decision on his next career choice.
Asked about how public sentiment toward police has changed through the years, Galante said “views on law enforcement swing like a pendulum.”
“We went through a rough patch there after the killing of George Floyd,” he said. “We were on the back side of the pendulum. I feel it’s coming around, and the respect for law enforcement is there. Even those that talk negatively about us still call us when they need us.”
He added that law enforcement is a noble profession that I would encourage younger people to look into.”
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