Kevin Gano was champion of public safety

Photo Courtesy City of Norwalk

The City of Norwalk and the entire law enforcement community is mourning the loss of Kevin Gano, who passed away Sunday morning after battling cancer.

Gano became a well-respected community leader for his introduction of community policing and its positive impact in crime reduction.

“Kevin Gano was a monumental figure in Norwalk history,” said Rios. “His dedication to quality of life issues resulted in the introduction of community policing, a program that many communities follow today. His legacy will remain with us as we carry on the programs that he introduced aimed at enriching the lives of our community members.”

In the early 1990’s, Norwalk neighborhoods were controlled by warring gangs who proudly named themselves after their neighborhood turf. As a result of the growing community concerns over increasing crimes, the City of Norwalk established the Public Safety Department.

“Kevin Gano founded the Public Safety Department and became its first director,” said Vice Mayor Luigi Vernola. “His approach to public safety changed the face of Norwalk. Community policing gave residents a sense of security to enjoy gatherings outside their homes—something that had not been possible.”

During the first fifteen years, community-based policing efforts changed the community’s outlook towards law enforcement agencies by establishing positive communication and trusting relations. The perception of law enforcement improved substantially and was reflected in the increase of calls for service, improved response time and decrease in overall crime rates.

In fact, in the early 2000s, the FBI ranked Norwalk among the top 20 safest cities with populations over 100,000. The high ranking by the FBI was a result of innovative community policing programs.

“Norwalk would not be the thriving City it is today, without Kevin’s leadership,” said Councilmember Tony Ayala. “He was a true public servant who went beyond the badge to help at-risk teens, growing professionals and the entire community.”

The success of the Department of Public Safety was in part due to the partnerships between residents and governmental agencies. Kevin Gano worked with other law enforcement agencies to establish programs that would curtail crime and assist families with at-risk teens. Examples of the programs include Curfew Enforcement, Community Probation, Community Service, Street Gang Injunction, Family Intervention Team and much more.

“Kevin was one of the most well-respected individuals not just in Norwalk but in the entire law enforcement community,” said Councilmember Jennifer Perez. “His exceptional character and holistic approach to public safety made him a revered household name.”

In 2018, under leadership of the current City Council, the Public Safety Department was tasked with re-implementing the original community policing model. Today, the City has implemented programs to support this approach to public safety, including Neighborhood/Business Watch, Coffee with a Cop, Neighborhood Block Parties, National Night Out, Neighborhood Enhancement Team, and youth-centered initiatives such as Public Safety Cadet and Junior Park Ranger programs.

“Kevin gave the City of Norwalk and our residents the best of his professional career,” said Councilmember Leonard Shryock. “We will carry his name and legacy by continuing to make Norwalk a safe and secure community.”

Kevin Gano is survived by his wife, Darlene and children Jeanette and Kevin Jr. and two grandchildren, Ava and Ella. The City has established a memorial site at the Tribute to Norwalk’s Emergency Professionals Monument at the City Hall Lawn. 

Memorial services will be shared at a later time.