Rehoboth Police Chief Retires

After nearly 40 years as a member of the Rehoboth Police Department, Chief James Trombetta announced his immediate retirement at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

Before getting into civilian police work, Trombetta served in the Air Force for four years as a military police officer.

Trombetta began working for the department in 1984 as a dispatcher and later became a reserve officer before joining the department on a full-time basis in 1985.

Trombetta worked his way through the ranks, and was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant in 2002. He served as acting chief for one year following the departure of Dale Wetherell in 2003.

Trombetta's predecessor, Stephen Enos, had a stormy tenure as chief and his contract was not renewed by selectmen in 2011. Trombetta was named acting chief in 2010 when Enos was placed on administrative leave.  At the time, Board member Sue Pimental noted Trombetta was the "logical choice" to serve as chief. "I think he'll do a great job," Pimental said. "He's hardworking, he's dedicated."

Trombetta was appointed Chief of Police in 2015.

In 2020, the Board signed Trombetta to a six year contract which was due to expire in June 2027.  

Trombetta said he was “glad but sad” to be leaving the department.

“I’m not going to say I’m leaving (the department) a better place than when I got here because I’m really not looking at things that way,” Trombetta noted. “I’m the last of the old guys to go.”

Trombetta recognized the members of the Civilian Traffic Control Unit, calling them “a good group of people who work together.”

The Board named Sergeant Louis DiBacco as Acting Chief for an indeterminate period.

“The ending date will be when a successor has been chosen,” said Chairman Skip Vadnais.

Trombetta has agreed to remain with the Police Department as a Director of Law Enforcement Operations. The position will be unpaid.