John J. Anton has been appointed the new chief of the DeWitt Police Department.
Anton, who has 23 years of law enforcement experience — nearly all of that time in DeWitt — was appointed by the town board during its Jan. 8 regular meeting.
“The town board and I have confidence Chief John Anton will continue the standard of excellence put forth by DeWitt Police, that is characteristic of the department’s rich history and performance under past chiefs DeLap, Conway and Hildman,” said town Supervisor Ed Michalenko.
“I am very excited to be appointed to the job. I consider the DeWitt Police Department my home as I have been here 22 years and am honored to become the Chief of Police,” Anton said. “My priorities are to maintain the professionalism of our organization, continue to strive for excellence in police service and community policing to the residents and community of the Town of DeWitt, and maintain the safety of my officers by providing them the best equipment and training I have at my disposal.”
Anton started his career in with the Village of Vernon in 1994 as a police officer. In 1996, he joined the Town of Dewitt Police Department serving as a police officer.
In 2005, he transferred from the Patrol Division to the Criminal Investigations Division and was appointed as the department’s youth investigator. He was responsible for health awareness programs in area schools and acted as a police liaison with parents and school officials. In addition, he conducted juvenile investigations, conducted applicant background investigations and worked with fellow investigators on intricate adult felony investigations.
In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and returned to patrol on day shift where he supervised assigned officers. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
As the road patrol commander, he was responsible for six patrol supervisors and their assigned officers. He also managed the Field Training Program, Patrol Fleet and Accreditation.
In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of captain.
He served as the second in command from 2015-17 as the administrator responsible for overall police operations, the supervision of division commanders, human resource management, training, policy development and grants.
Anton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice from Niagara University. He also has completed management and leadership training with NYS DCJS and Northwestern University.
Anton is a member of numerous professional organizations to include the Onondaga County Chapter of Chiefs of Police where he served on the board, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He is a resident of Onondaga County, is married and has two children.
Anton succeeds Chief James Hildmann, who retired in September after leading the department for three years.
