Dave Smith completes probationary period

Norwalk Police Chief Dave Smith has successfully completed his probationary period as of Dec. 16. Chief Smith successfully completed an intense five-month long mentoring program through Pradco as part of his probationary period. He has also completed several tasks assigned by the city administration. Some of his own accomplishments since taking over the reigns as chief include sending three officers to the Gracie Academy. Those three officers are now able to instruct the Gracie Method to other officers within the department. This method of self-defense training is needed to keep officers and those that they arrest safe. Chief Smith is on the path to have 100% of officers trained in Crisis Intervention. "Chief Smith was instrumental in changing the hiring process of new recruits to allow lateral transfers," Safety Service Director Mike White said. "He also played a huge role in implementing the park ranger program which has drastically reduced the number of complaints in city parks. "The city administration and Norwalk City Council have the utmost confidence in Chief Smith and fully support him in leading the department and moving forward to deliver efficient public safety services to the community." Police Chief Smith oversees 25 sworn officers, 6 full time dispatchers, and 2 full time clerical workers, park rangers and crossing guards. Shullick moves up NORWALK — Current city of Norwalk sanitation laborer Nicholas Shullick will replace Jeff Montgomery as the next Sanitation Department Superintendent. Jeff Montgomery will retire from the position after 22 years. Montgomery said "Nick is a perfect fit. He has already been assisting with the job duties and performs routine maintenance on the fleet which saves the City a considerable amount money. He is also well respected among his peers." Nick has been a city employee since 2014. He is a Norwalk High School graduate and holds an accounting and business management degree. He resides in Norwalk with his wife and three children. "I have the utmost confidence in Nick's ability to lead the department and I welcome him to our team," Mayor Dave Light said.