The Darien Police Department grew from a force of seven men, equipped with two bicycles, to present body of fifty officers.
A special Act of the State Legislature, dated April 2, 1925 created Darien’s first police commission which was authorized to form a Police Department. Serving on the original Darien Police Commission were Col. Howard Stout Neilson, Chairman Frank R. Holmes, Secretary and Chauncey D. Tyler, member. Presently serving on the Police Commission are Bob Harrel, J. Paul Johnson, & Peter Truebner.
The first Commission secured the services of Harry C. Smith, retired Stamford Police Sergeant to act as Chief, and six Patrolmen. The Darien Police Department began its activity on July 3, 1925. Police Chiefs following Smith were: Edward Tinker, Edward Mugavero, Edmund Brencher, Hugh McManus Sn.,John W. Jordan, Bruce Anderson, Hugh McManus, and presently Duane J. Lovello.
Early equipment of the Police force consisted of two bicycles and one revolver, 
which was passed from man to man as they went on duty. Chief Edward Mugavero, one of six State Policemen, who at the time were aiding in patrolling Darien, recalls seeing Darien’s “finest” pedaling their bicycles along the Post Rd. The officers did not have uniforms and wore the badges of Stamford special Police.
The new members did not have to wait long, however, for the shipment of their uniforms. Within two weeks after the formation of the Department, the officers were decked out in the traditional “brass buttons and blue coat”. They discarded their straw hats in favor of the more official looking Police cap of that day.
The Town of Darien had also voted money to the Department for the purchase of a motor cycle. Upon the arrival of the vehicle, it was in constant use and “never got cold”.
Officer Edward Tinker made the first arrest of the Department. His arrestee was a New York man who was charged with and convicted of reckless driving after he had passed the Post Rd. trolley car.
Lt. Amos R. Anderson, nationally known as the “Lone Wolf of the Post Rd.”, served on the force for 20 years. He was also known as the battle-scarred menace to “bootleggers” during the prohibition era. His most famous arrest was made in 1926 when Anderson captured single-handed, four of the most notorious and desperate gunmen of the present day.
The original Police Headquarters was located in the old Town Hall on the Post Rd. The prison cells were converted into the Town Treasures vaults and are now occupied by a local merchant.
In 1932, the new Police Headquarters and Court Room building on 
Hecker Ave was completed and the department finally had a real home. In 1967, an addition was made to the present building which allowed the Darien Police Department to expand its services.
Your Questions Answered
Conceived as an educational tool regarding traffic markings, traffic enforcement, motorist and pedestrian safety. You can email Officer Ken and he will respond in the local paper.