Waterbury makes history as first female deputy police chief is sworn in
Deputy Chief Nadine Amatruda has made history in the Brass City as the first woman promoted to deputy chief in the Waterbury Police Department.
Amatruda was officially sworn in during a ceremony at Waterbury City Hall Tuesday, marking a milestone for both the department and the city.
“A lot of ‘wows’ and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I can’t wait to start,” Amatruda said.
Amatruda said she did not immediately realize the significance of the promotion.
“When I heard I was going to get this promotion, I didn’t think I was making history, so that’s just something that’s kind of been marinating a little bit,” she said.
Amatruda has spent more than two decades with the Waterbury Police Department, beginning her career as a police officer. She has served in several leadership roles, including in the department’s Community Relations Division, and was selected to attend the FBI National Academy two years ago.
She called the promotion a dream come true.
“I feel honored and privileged to have been selected for the hard work and dedication and time I have given to the city,” Amatruda said.
With the promotion, Amatruda joins a small group of women in Connecticut serving as police chiefs or deputy chiefs.
According to the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, there are currently three female police chiefs in the state: Stratford Police Chief Renee Dominguez, Plymouth Police Chief Karen Krasicky, and Bethel Acting Police Chief Heather Burnes.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said that, to his knowledge, Hartford, New Haven and Wolcott also have female deputy chiefs.
Spagnolo said the promotion is an important moment for the department.
“It’s certainly a milestone in the department and the city’s history,” he said.
Spagnolo said the department has also seen more women join its ranks, with women now making up about 15% of the police force.
Amatruda said she hopes her promotion encourages young girls interested in a career in law enforcement.
“Hard work and dedication pays off, and you can do anything you put your mind to. You just have to stick with that and just do whatever it is that is going to get on the path to success that you’re looking for,” she said.
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