Milford Select Board votes unanimously to promote Robert Tusino to chief of police

MILFORD — The Select Board voted unanimously on Thursday evening to appoint Robert Tusino to become the town's next police chief.

Tusino, who is being promoted from deputy chief, was one of three finalists interviewed by the board on Thursday. The other two were fellow Deputy Police Chief John Sanchioni and retired New Britian, Connecticut, Deputy Police Chief Benjamin Murphy.

Tusino told the Daily News later Thursday night that he was happy and proud to be selected, but that he will miss outgoing interim Chief James Falvey, who promoted Tusino to deputy chief two years ago. Falvey recently announced that he would retire at the end of the month.

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"It's bittersweet because Chief Falvey is leaving, but it's really not a big transition," said Tusino. "Deputy Chief Sanchionni and I have been doing a lot of work for the last two years. It's really been a big team effort."

Tusino was born and raised in MIlford, and is a 1988 graduate of Milford High School. He was a police officer in New York City from 2001-07 before coming home to join the Milford Police Department.

He also works as a paramedic for the UMass Medical Center in Worcester.

Tusino tells Select Board he hopes to build on department successes

During his interview with the board, Tusino said he did not think major changes needed to be made, but that he would build on the department's successes. He said he would like to continue hiring police officers that match the diversity of the community because it helps build trust.

The department has 45 sworn officers, according to the town website.

"When there's a language gap, sometimes people are hesitant to speak," Tusino said. "I want to continue building on that."

He also said he wants to continue to be visible in the community. He said he often attends community events and teaches workshops on paramedic work.

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Tusino said he would also like to hold night hours, where he is at the station at least one night a week for those who can't come in or call during the day and do not like to use computers for email or social media.

The department currently doesn't have lieutenants, leaving a command gap between sergeants and deputy chiefs. Tusino said he would like to reconstruct the command staff to change two of the sergeant positions to lieutenants.

Tusino envisions expanding the department's Family Services Unit

After his appointment, Tusino said he would like to expand the Family Services Unit, a specialized unit comprised of two police officers and clinicians, who deal with many people with substance abuse issues.

"There's been so much outreach with that and we're doing some things nobody else is doing," he said. "It's the right thing to do, and it's the only true path for people who don't have a place to turn. Jail is not the place for them."

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Tusino said he is looking forward to working as chief.

"This is a nice place, a nice community, and we can really do a lot here," he said.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Robert Tusino picked to become Milford's next chief of police