ROCKPORT — The Rockport Police Department has a new patrol officer. Antonio “Tony” Del Vecchio joined the department June 5, replacing Dana Smith, who left his position in April.

Del Vecchio most recently was a patrol officer for over two years with the Scarborough Police Department where he began his law enforcement career. He started working at the department as a reserve officer while he was attending the Southern Maine Community College where he graduated with an Associate degree in criminal justice.

He also is a graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Del Vecchio said his interest in law enforcement began when he was in high school. He was active in the Police Explorer Program, an educational opportunity sponsored by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to give young adults a first-hand understanding through practical experience of what police work actually is about.

Additionally, his uncle is a detective with the Connecticut State Police.

Del Vecchio said that being a police officer in a smaller community than Scarborough will allow him to focus more on “community policing” and engaging with the public, both which he supports in law enforcement. 

He grew up in Middlebury, Connecticut, and now lives in Warren.

Currently, he is primarily training with Rockport Sgt. Jim Moore and learning his way around the Rockport community.

Rockport Police Chief Randy Gagne said, “We are fortunate that we hired an officer with a vested interest in law enforcement, professional experience and academy training which are all great assets for the department.”

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com