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New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski Jr. announced the news on Thursday, Dec. 15, saying that he is leaving the department at the end of the year to become Director of Security in the Darien Public School District.
Krolikowski said he intends to build up the Darien school system to be a model to other school districts.
"This position will allow me to help build innovative initiatives and to hire a team that enhances school safety and security," Krolikowski said.
A member of the New Canaan Police Department for more than 33 years, Krolikowski became interim chief in 2013 after the retirement of former chief Edward Nadriczny, and then officially became chief after only two-and-a-half months.
Before becoming chief, Krolikowski commanded the department's staff services and operations divisions and was also a captain.
In his retirement announcement, Krolikowski reflected on his years of service.
"During my 9 years and 6 months as Chief, I have been blessed and honored to work with such an exceptional team that at present contains strong formal and informal leaders," he said, also saying, "Over the years, we have collectively worked thru many challenges that were successfully navigated largely due to your professionalism, leadership, compassion, and skillsets. While I am sad about leaving, I am certain that our Department is in the best state it has been in for the entirety of my career."
Krolikowski will serve his last day on Wednesday, Dec. 28, and officially leave the department on Saturday, Dec. 31.
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