Rilling appointed to IACP National Committee on Narcotics, Dangerous Drugs

On Tuesday, Chief Michael Carroll, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), appointed Norwalk Police Chief Harry W. Rilling to the IACP National Committee on Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

The committee serves as the official liaison agency for the IACP with federal, state and local agencies charged with the enforcement of the narcotics and dangerous drugs statutes. The committee is charged with reviewing national and local drug trends and formulating strategies and recommendations to the national association to assist in combating crime related to illicit drug sales and drug abuse.

In announcing his appointment, Chief Carroll stated, "I have known Chief Rilling for quite some time. To have police executives of his caliber serve on our committees is the only way the IACP can be successful in fulfilling its mission. The work of the IACP is done by police chiefs who are willing to share their expertise with their fellow police chiefs. Chief Rilling has demonstrated over the years his willingness to help our profession in any way he can."

Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia said, "This is certainly a nice tribute to Chief Rilling's years of dedicated service to the law enforcement profession. He has been very active and widely respected in the National Law Enforcement front."

Rilling, in accepting this appointment said, "I am honored to have been selected to serve on this committee. I truly thank Chief Carroll for the confidence he has shown in me and I will proudly serve this committee in a manner that will represent the city and the state well.

The committee membership comprises chiefs of police, directors of public safety and the deputy director of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The Committee is chaired by Michelle Leonhart, acting director of the DEA.

Rilling was educated in the Norwalk Public Schools and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iona College with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of New Haven.

Rilling joined the Norwalk Department of Police Service in 1971 and was promoted to chief in 1995.

Rilling is married to Wanda Crespo Rilling. He has three children, a step-daughter and six grandchildren.