Chief Robert J. Gagne grew up in West Haven and graduated from West Haven High School . Chief Gagne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Haven in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Administration.  Below is a timeline of his career:

 

May 1978 - Joined the Orange Police Department as a Civilian Dispatcher.

 

November 1980 - Sworn in as a Supernumerary Police Officer.

 

January-June 1981 - Attended the Milford Police Academy , graduating first in his class, the first time an Orange Police Officer achieved this accomplishment.

 

June 1981 - Sworn in as a regular Police Officer.

 

January 1987 - Promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

 

November 1987 - Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

 

August 2000 - After having served as Shift Commander for all three shifts, was assigned to command the Investigative Services Unit.

 

July 3, 2003 - Sworn in as Assistant Chief of Police.

 

 June 16, 2006 - Sworn in as Orange's 10th Chief of Police.

  

Chief Gagne has served as a member and the Commander of the Orange Police Honor Guard, and as Chairman of the Orange Police Awards Committee.  He served as chairman of the committee that designed the Orange Police patch.  He is a certified police instructor, as well as a certified Emergency Medical Technician.

  

Chief Gagne is a member of numerous organizations including the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, the New England Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

  

During his career Chief Gagne has earned one Letter of Recognition, four Letters of Commendation, the Exceptional Service Award and the Lifesaving Award.