The Waterbury Times|July 14, 2026

WATERBURY — A historic moment is coming to the Waterbury Police Department as Lieutenant Nadine Amatruda prepares to become the city’s first woman Deputy Chief of Police.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. will join police officials, community members, elected leaders, and members of the media Tuesday evening for Amatruda’s swearing-in ceremony during the Waterbury Police Commission meeting.

The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Veterans Memorial Hall at Waterbury City Hall, 235 Grand Street.

Amatruda will be surrounded by family, colleagues, and community members as she takes the oath of office and officially rises to the rank of Deputy Chief. She will be pinned by her husband, Waterbury Police Sergeant Christopher Amatruda, along with their children, Aidan and Gianna.

“Lieutenant Amatruda’s promotion to Deputy Chief marks a historic moment for the Waterbury Police Department and our entire city,” Mayor Pernerewski said. “Nadine has dedicated two decades of service to the residents of Waterbury and has consistently demonstrated the leadership, professionalism, and commitment that define public service.”

Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo praised Amatruda’s career and leadership within the department.

“Nadine has proven herself as a dedicated law enforcement professional and a strong leader within the Waterbury Police Department,” Spagnolo said. “Her experience across multiple divisions, commitment to community engagement, and ability to lead with integrity make her exceptionally qualified to serve as Deputy Chief.”

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Two Decades of Service

Amatruda joined the Waterbury Police Department in April 2006 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Post University in 2018.

Throughout her career, she has served in several divisions, including:

• Community Relations Division
• Criminal Investigation Bureau
• Sex Crimes Unit
• Internal Affairs Division
• Inspectional Services
• Patrol Division
• Support Services

During her time as an investigator with the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Amatruda represented the department on the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Trafficking Taskforce.

After being promoted to Sergeant in 2017, she served in Internal Affairs before moving into leadership roles focused on department operations and community partnerships.

While assigned to Inspectional Services, Amatruda helped secure grant funding for the city’s overdose response technician program in partnership with the Waterbury Health Department and supported the development of the department’s Real Time Crime Center.

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Leadership at the Department Level

In 2021, Amatruda was appointed as Aide to the Chief of Police, where she helped coordinate department initiatives, worked with outside partners, and supported major projects, including the police efficiency study, the Gun Violence Problem Analysis conducted by Dr. Barao, and the first Borifest at Washington Park.

In 2024, she attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, one of the nation’s most prestigious law enforcement leadership programs. She graduated with a Certificate in Leadership from the University of Virginia.

After returning from the FBI program, Amatruda served as Acting Captain of Support Services, overseeing several units, including Community Relations, the Mounted Unit, Traffic Unit, and Blight Crew.

She later became Lieutenant of Community Relations, where she led initiatives such as Community Pop-Ups, National Night Out events, home security assessments, and neighborhood outreach programs.

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Breaking a Barrier in Waterbury Law Enforcement

The promotion represents a significant milestone for the department and the city as Amatruda becomes the first woman in Waterbury Police Department history to hold the rank of Deputy Chief.

City officials are encouraging residents and community members to attend Tuesday’s ceremony and recognize Amatruda’s achievement and continued commitment to public service.