Chief of Police
Leading the Waterbury Police Department
The Chief of Police provides strategic leadership and oversight for all divisions within the Waterbury Police Department, guiding its mission to protect and serve the community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Working closely with department leadership, sworn and civilian staff, and community partners, the Chief ensures that operations are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Waterbury residents.
Fernando C. Spagnolo, Chief of Police
Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo joined the Waterbury Police Department in July 1992 and has since served in a wide range of assignments, including the Patrol Division, Motorcycle Unit, Tactical Narcotics Team, Vice and Intelligence Division, and Extra Duty and Licensing. He has also acted as Aide to the Chief of Police and worked alongside state and federal Homeland Security agencies on major projects and investigations.
In February 1998, he was promoted to Detective, and in July 2003 to Sergeant, serving as liaison to Homeland Security. By 2006, he was Officer-in-Charge of the Extra Duty and Licensing Division, and later promoted to Lieutenant before becoming Chief of Police.
Chief Spagnolo currently serves as President of the Police Activity League of Waterbury, Inc., is a Board Member of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB), and is involved with the NVCC Regional Advisory Council and the Kiwanis Club of Waterbury.
Education & Training
Chief Spagnolo studied Criminal Justice and Psychology at Saint Joseph’s College in Portland, Maine, and is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Post University. He has completed advanced training across the country in areas such as terrorism, critical infrastructure assessment, and crimes motivated by bigotry and bias.
He is certified as an instructor in anti-terrorism training, bias-motivated crimes, and incident response to terrorist bombings. Recognized by the courts as an expert witness on narcotics and illicit drugs, Chief Spagnolo is also a graduate of the 69th session of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development School in Quantico, Virginia. His service has been honored with Excellent Police Duty medals in both 1994 and 1996.
Inside the Chief’s Office
The Chief’s Office includes the Aide to the Chief and the Administrative Assistant to the Chief, providing critical administrative and operational support. This team manages internal communications, coordinates with specialized units, and ensures the department runs efficiently.
The Waterbury Police Legal Advisor provides comprehensive legal advice to the department on policies, procedures and labor issues. For more information regarding police-related legal matters to hearing procedures and more, please contact Attorney Mark Ouellette at (203) 598-7534.
Connect with the Chief’s Office
Have questions or need to reach a member of the Chief’s Office? Contact information for the Chief and key staff members is listed below.
Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo, Chief of Police
Call: (203) 574-6906
Lieutenant Robert Raad, Sworn Aide to the Chief
Call: (203) 574-6906
Charlotte Williams, Administrative Assistant to the Chief
Call: (203) 574-6906
Mark Ouellette, Legal Advisor
Call: (203) 598-7534