A crowd of family, friends, residents, town and state officials, town employees, department heads and police officers filled town hall’s second floor conference room to witness Thomas McLoughlin’s swearing in of as North Haven’s new police chief at a Police Commissioners special meeting.

McLoughlin, who has served as deputy chief for five years, and previously held ranks of detective captain, captain, lieutenant and sergeant, replaces James X. DiCarlo, who retired after 38 years of police department service.

“The changing of the guard is exciting — and a new era is beginning,” stated police commissioner Larry Lazaroff. “It’s been an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege to work with Chief Jim DiCarlo, and it will be a continued honor to move forward with the progress under Chief Tom McLoughlin.”

Unanimously, McLoughlin was chosen by North Haven’s Police Commission, who met in executive session with First Selectman Michael Freda. It was decided that McLoughlin was best qualified for the position. He started as a cadet and held every rank in the department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“It’s a very special night, because I have the privilege of swearing in Tom McLoughlin, a man who has done an outstanding job through his 32 years with the department, and he, along with Jim DiCarlo, got involved by getting this department updated with modern equipment,” said Joseph D’Errico, police commission chairman. “Tommy is a cop’s cop, and he’s a true advocate of public safety.”

D’Errico explained that he swore McLoughlin in as deputy chief in April 2006. Besides his impressive resume and work experience, McLoughlin is a member of several police chiefs associations and the FBI National Academy Associates.

“Our police force is rich in history and tradition serving the community for nearly seven decades,” said Freda. “There is a wide range of emotions because, one chapter has closed with Chief DiCarlo, and another chapter unfolds with Thomas McLoughlin becoming our new police chief.”

“Over 32 years, a young man with tremendous dedication, commitment, discipline, and work ethic has worked his way through all the ranks, and all of his skills and perseverance make him a great ambassador and role model,” Freda continued. “This special ability to relate to all people will take the fine legacy of our police force into the future, and I look forward to working with him and our great men and women of the North Haven Police Department.”

After McLoughlin was sworn in by Chairman D’Errico, McLoughlin’s wife Lori proudly pinned the medal on her husband while an attentive group of onlookers watched with extreme joy. Then, McLoughlin thanked North Haven’s board of police commissioners for their vote of confidence. He also thanked his wife, daughter and son, along with his eight brothers and sisters and their families for their support, and he also thanked his predecessor, DiCarlo.

“I am inheriting a great group of dedicated men and women from a fine department. We have a great reputation in the New Haven area and in the state,” McLoughlin said. “Whatever profession you are in, you must work hard and have a super support system both professionally and personally, and I am grateful for my support system.

“Chief Jim DiCarlo has been my coach, counselor, mentor, and friend all these years,” McLoughlin added. “Jim, you are the best, and we are all taking a piece of you with us.”

McLoughlin said that he and his department will have obstacles and challenges to face, but together they will be bridge boulders and will go around, under and over obstacles while persevering to do their best serving and protecting residents, businesses and visitors of North Haven. He added that he will have an open door policy with friendly customer service.

Attendants agreed with McLoughlin and gave him a standing ovation with cheers and applause. State Representative Dave Yaccarino, Senator Len Fasano, Fire Chief Vincent Landisio, Selectmen Tim Doheny and Steve Fontana, dignitaries from surrounding towns and others were also present to show their support for North Haven’s new police chief.

“Chief McLoughlin is the best fit for the job, and he has worked very hard and diligently for nearly 32 years. He’s a cop’s cop,” stated Officer Michael Compare, union president. “He will do his best to ensure that North Haven has the finest police department in Connecticut.”

“I have known Tom and his wife Lori, and their children Richie and Kaitlyn, for many years, because they were my neighbors,” said Donna Spose, town employee and resident. “Tom is a dedicated, hardworking, friendly, caring and family-oriented individual who is concerned about the community he has been a lifelong resident of. The people of this town and the police department are in good hands under Chief McLoughlin, whom I am proud to call my friend, former neighbor and now, police chief.”