Sergeant Thomas Marchitto
with K9 Ado
Uniform Services Division
Patrol Division
The West Haven Police Department’s Patrol Division (The Uniform Services Division) consists of approximately 80 sworn officers. The WHPD maintains a minimum staffing level at all times. The Patrol Division’s work day is divided into 6 shifts which overlap to allow continuous coverage throughout the city. During a shift there may be as many as 14 or more officers on duty, not including detectives or other divisions. The Patrol Division is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The City of West Haven is divided into 10 patrol areas, or beats. These beats are staffed on all shifts by patrol units. There are additional walking beats and “floater” units (patrol cars not assigned to a specific area) throughout the city. In addition, patrols with special assignments (i.e. Quality of Life, CAPPS, DUI, and other directed patrols) are deployed as well. Officers in the Patrol Division respond to calls for reports of criminal activity, apprehending criminals and wanted persons, motor vehicle accidents, as well as enforcing motor vehicle violations and performing preventative deterrent patrols.
The Patrol Division, which responds to more than 40,000 calls for service each year, is the largest division in the police department.
The Patrol Division is commanded by Captain Anthony Pacileo. A minimum of one Shift Lieutenant serves at the Shift Commander (also called the Commanding Officer) on each shift. Each shift also has one Sergeant supervising the dispatch communications center and one Sergeant supervising the patrol units on the street.
The Shift Commanders for the Patrol Division
Lt. Bryan Salemme
currently works as the midnight shift Commander.
Lt. Patrick Buturla
currently works as the midnight shift Commander.
Lt. Jay Masi
currently works as the day shift Commander.
Lt. Joseph D'Amato
currently works as the evening shift Commander.
Lt. Mark Rappa
currently works as the evening shift Commander.
Traffic Division
The Traffic Division of the West Haven Police Department investigates all major accidents involving serious injury or property damage, or a fatality. Serious accidents have been steadily declining in recent years as a result of our efforts.
The division also assists each year with Mother’s Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) mock accident re-creation at the city’s high schools. In conjunction with MADD, a walk- a-thon is held each year along the West Haven bike path. To date, over $25,000 has been raised during this event with all proceeds going to MADD.
The duties of this division include: investigation of all major accidents, approving city road curb cuts, vehicle maintenance, police radio maintenance, traffic control signage and lighting, abandoned vehicle enforcement, funeral escorts, parking ticket administration, and the assignments of the 36 school crossing guards for the city’s school system.
The Traffic Division is also in charge of vehicle maintenance for the police fleet.
Active Traffic Unit Members
Sgt. Charles Young
Ofc. Christopher Nolan
Ofc. Christopher Morse
Ofc. Kimberly Paris
To submit an application for School Crossing Guard, download and complete the application form by clicking the button below and submitting said application to Sergeant Charlie Young.
To submit an application for a Handicap Parking Permit, download and complete the application form by clicking the button below and submitting said application to Sergeant Charlie Young
Handicap Parking Sign Application
To pay a Parking ticket on-line click the link below.
Pay a Parking Ticket
K-9 Unit
The West Haven Police Department’s K-9 Unit was started in 1986 with one K-9 team assigned to the Patrol Division. The K-9 Unit was eventually expanded to three K-9 teams. Each K-9 team is scheduled to work a particular shift. The K-9 teams are a great asset to the West Haven Police Department, surrounding towns, and the public in general. Besides performing normal police duties, the K-9 teams have performed many demonstrations for the children and adults of the City of West Haven.
Members of the West Haven Police Department K-9 Unit must pass a 14 week training school at the Connecticut State Police Department K-9 Academy in Meriden, CT. The K-9 dogs are trained in tracking of criminals, as well as, locating missing persons. They are also trained in the recovery of evidence, the searching of buildings, and the protection of their handler. Advanced training can include narcotic detection and bomb detection.
Officer Vincent Costanzo who along with his K-9 partner Sarge were the first K-9 team for the West Haven Police Department. K-9 Sarge was a member of the unit for 10 years before retiring. Officer Costanzo continued with his second K- 9 partner Sabian who retired in 1999.
The K-9 teams are assigned their own vehicles which are specially equipped for them. The officer and his K-9 partner live together at the officer’s home and are on call 24 hours a day.
Active Members
Meet K9 Ado
K9 Ado is an 8-year-old German Shepherd who has proudly served the West Haven Police Department and the community since 2018. Certified by the Connecticut State Police as a Patrol Canine, Ado is highly trained in all aspects of patrol work, including:
- Apprehension and suspect control
- Tracking and trailing
- Building searches
- Scent detection
- Seat operations
In addition to his regular duties with the West Haven Police Department, Ado is an active member of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force. He is frequently called upon to assist in high-risk operations, helping locate and apprehend dangerous fugitives throughout the region.
With his exceptional drive, focus, and proven abilities, Ado has become a trusted and valuable asset to both local law enforcement and federal task force operations. Whether supporting patrol operations or working alongside the U.S. Marshals, K9 Ado continues to perform at the highest level, keeping the community safer every day.
Meet K9 Gamble
As of April 2026, K9 Gamble is a 2.5-year-old German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix. DNA testing also shows he is 1% Chinook, a breed known for its remarkable athleticism and loyalty. Originally from the Slovak Republic, Gamble was selected for his strong drive and working ability.
K9 Gamble and his handler, Officer James Tortora, graduated from the prestigious Connecticut State Police 250th Patrol K-9 Academy in December 2024. The program consisted of 16 weeks of intensive full-time training, which continues today with ongoing monthly training and certification maintenance.
Gamble is fully certified in the following disciplines:
- Tracking
- Building searches
- Evidence recovery
- Apprehension
- Handler protection
In 2025, K9 Gamble demonstrated exceptional courage and skill when he played a critical role in apprehending an armed individual wielding a large knife who was threatening both police officers and civilians at a local church. His decisive action helped neutralize the threat and prevented serious harm to numerous people. For this incident, K9 Gamble received a formal Letter of Commendation.
K9 Gamble continues to serve as a highly valued member of the West Haven Police Department’s K9 Unit, bringing dedication, intelligence, and bravery to every deployment .
Former Members
Officer John Laychak
Officer John Laychak and his partner K-9 Thor. K-9 Thor served from 2007-2013 until his retirement.
Retired Officer Mathew Haynes
Officer Matthew Haynes and his partner K-9 Tex. K-9 Tex served from 2007-2014.
Officer Steven Viele
Detective Viele pictured with his partner K-9 Cezar. K-9 Cezar retired November 7, 2006 and served the department for 6 1/2 years.
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The Police Dog
My eyes are your eyes, to watch and protect you and yours. My ears are your ears, to hear and detect the evil minds in the dark. My nose is your nose, to scent the invader of your domain, and so you may live. My life is also yours.
SWAT/ERT
The West Haven Police Department’s SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team is a group of dedicated, highly trained, and motivated officers who are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Team members must be ready and prepared for a call out with only a moment’s notice.
The SWAT team handles high-risk warrant services, hostage situations, barricaded subjects, civil disturbances, and other high- risk situations. Hostage/Crisis Negotiators and SWAT Medics also complement the SWAT Team. The SWAT Medic is trained to tactically treat and stabilize injured team members. The WHPD SWAT Team has 3 FBI-trained snipers. These snipers carry out team protection, forward observation and intelligence gathering objectives.
The SWAT Team is comprised mostly of officers in the patrol division. These officers carry out the regular duties and responsibilities of a patrol officer as well as that of a SWAT Team member. The SWAT Team holds regular meetings and exercise drills to keep their level of proficiency at its highest.
Shore Patrol
The West Haven Police Department’s Shore Patrol unit focuses on quality of life issues along the shoreline in the City of West Haven. Officers are assigned to this area on bicycles, Segways, watercraft, and all terrain vehicles during the summer to keep our shoreline safe and enjoyable.
