Past Chiefs of Police

Chief Harry C. Smith - Served July 3, 1925 to October 1, 1928

Chief Smith served the Town of Darien as its first Chief after his retirement from the Stamford Police Department. He retired with the rank of Sergeant from the Stamford force and was selected by the newly formed Darien Police Commission to command the original six Darien police officers.

 

Chief Edward A. Tinker - Served October 1, 1928 to March 1, 1945

One of the original six Darien police officers, Chief Tinker was born in New York City in 1894. He served the Town as its second Chief for over 16 years. Prior to his police service, Chief Tinker served in the United States Army with an Honorable Discharge date of November 23, 1918.

 

Chief Edward Mugavero - Served March 1, 1945 to April 1, 1955

Appointed in 1926, Chief Mugavero previously served as a State Police Officer for one year. A graduate of the 27th session of the FBI National Academy, he served for almost 30 years with 10 years of service as Chief. On November 8th, 1934, he was shot by armed robbery suspects but returned to full duty 18 months later.

 

Chief P. Edmund Brencher - Served April 1, 1955 to February 15, 1967

Born in Darien in 1907, Chief Brencher was appointed as a Probationary Patrolman in 1929, Patrolman in 1931, Sergeant in 1949 and Chief of Police in 1955. A graduate of the 52nd session of the FBI National Academy in 1953, Chief Brencher holds the distinction as being one of the longest serving Darien Police Department officers with a full 38 years of service.

 

Chief Hugh F. McManus, Sr. - Served February 16, 1967 to June 30, 1971

A lifelong Darien resident, Chief Hugh F. McManus Sr. rose through the ranks of the Department after being appointed in 1937, serving admirably in every position and assignment before being appointed as Chief of Police in 1967. Mid-career, he was granted a leave of absence from the department and served honorably with the US Army between 1943-1945.

 

Chief John W. Jordan - Served March 3, 1971 to June 19, 1988

Chief Jordan, a lifelong Darien resident, was appointed to the Department in 1950. Prior to his appointment, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, earning three battle stars for service in the European Theater. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in 1957, Chief Jordan later served with distinction as President of the CT Chapter of the FBI NA Associates as well as the President of the Fairfield County Chiefs of Police Association.       

 

Chief Bruce M. Anderson - Served February 19, 1988 to July 3, 1993 

Appointed to the Department in 1963, Chief Anderson was promoted to Sergeant in 1971, Lieutenant in 1972 and Captain in 1983 before rising to the rank of Chief in 1988. Chief Anderson is remembered for his humbleness, sense of fairness and devotion to duty. In remembrance and recognition, the Darien Police Association awards scholarships in his name to deserving students.

 

Chief Hugh F. McManus, Jr. - Served July 3, 1993 to February 28, 2005

Chief McManus, a second generation Darien officer, was appointed in September of 1966 after serving for four years with the United States Coast Guard. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1975, Lieutenant in 1982 and Captain in 1988. Chief McManus, a graduate of the 145th session of the FBI National Academy, was appointed Chief in 1993, following in the footsteps of his father, Chief Hugh F. McManus Sr., who served from 1967-1971.

 

Chief Duane J. Lovello - Served March 1, 2005 to February 15, 2017            

Chief Lovello, a native of Stamford, CT, began his career with the Darien Police Department in December, 1981. He was assigned to the Detective Division in 1986, promoted to Sergeant in 1993, Lieutenant in 2000 and Captain in 2000, assuming command of the former "Line Division." Chief Lovello was admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1998, after receiving a Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law. A graduate of the 215th session of the FBI National Academy, he was appointed Chief in 2005. During his tenure, he was appointed Chairman of the POST Council and was president of the Fairfield County Chiefs of Police Association. He retired after 35 years of service in February, 2017.

 

Chief Raymond Osborne - Served February 15, 2017 to September 2, 2019

Chief Osborne began his law enforcement career with the Easton Police Department prior to joining the Darien Police Department in 1983. He was assigned to the Detective Division, prior to being promoted to sergeant in 2000. In 2008, he was promoted to lieutenant, serving as the Department’s first Administrative Lieutenant. He graduated from the Roger Williams University Mid-Level Police Management program and PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police program. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2016, where he commanded the Department's Field Services Bureau. He was appointed Chief in 2017. He retired after 35 years of service in September, 2019.

 

Chief Donald B. Anderson - Served September 3, 2019 to April 1, 2024

Chief Anderson began his career with the Darien Police Department in 1983 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1999, Lieutenant in 2000, and became Captain of the Administrative Services Bureau in 2013. He served as a member of the Detective Division and was a member of the Specialized Accident Investigation Team. Chief Anderson graduated from the 245th session of the FBI National Academy and was appointed Chief of Police on September 3, 2019. He retired from the Department in April, 2024.