Police Commission approves training and tuition reimbursements, recognizes officers of the month

At its Jan. 26 meeting, the Norwalk Police Commission approved multiple personnel education requests and recognized officers who received "officer of the month" honors for December 2025.

Deputy Chief Joseph Denholm requested commission approval to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice administration at Columbia Southern University; the commission approved the course of study in advance as required by departmental policy. Lieutenant Robert Zwilic requested 50% reimbursement for graduate coursework at Seton Hall University — a tuition reimbursement request totaling $4,670 — which the commission approved unanimously. Officer Mark Vosella sought course approval and a $2,783.12 reimbursement for 15 credits taken at Charter Oak State College; the commission approved the reimbursement after confirming prior approval on the record.

Chief Walsh presented a lengthy list of officers named December officers of the month — including Lieutenant Tomas Pogorski, Sergeant Sal Kaleez, Officers Russell Ouellette, Max Sixto, Roland Omparo, David Nieves and others — and described the community policing division's holiday outreach, toy drives and partnerships with schools and local nonprofits. Diane Cece, speaking for the East Norfolk Neighborhood Association during public comment, singled out Officer Roland Omparo for his community policing work in East Norwalk.

The motions on education and reimbursements were recorded as unanimous on the floor; no roll‑call vote tally with named commissioners was recorded in the transcript. The commission adjourned after sharing a complimentary citizen letter praising Officer Hans Boehl for his assistance after a car break‑in.