Edwin “Edde” Villanueva received a Police Management Certificate from Babson College in 1999, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2004 and a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University in 2006.
Edde is currently employed as a Sergeant by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services where he is responsible for the efficient and prompt performance of the work of an assigned squad of up to 25 police officers within the patrol division, both on posts and in cruisers. He has been with DMHAS PD since 2018. Prior to his employment at DMHAS PD, he served as a patrol officer with the Mashantucket Police Department from 2017-2018, where he conducted vice and narcotics investigations as well as federal investigations.
While employed by the Manchester Police Department from 1990-2017, Edde served in the roles of Patrol Officer (1990-1999), Patrol Sergeant (1999-2008) and Lieutenant (2008-2017). While serving as a Lieutenant his special assignments included Building Services, Professional Standards, Special Events, Internal Affairs, Dayshift Commander/Patrol and he finished off his 27 year career as an Executive Lieutenant.
While on patrol, Edde became a Hostage Negotiator, worked with the DEA and was a certified Gangs and Field Training Instructor. While serving as a sergeant he became a certified IPMBA Instructor and acted as midnight shift commander for extended periods in the absence of an infirmed lieutenant.
While serving in the various roles of Lieutenant, Edde worked on initiatives such as the HOPE Program, a joint program of the Manchester Police Department and Manchester Hospital. Eddy created policy for the HOPE program which is described as “a compassionate response to the opioid crisis”. In the Internal Affairs Division, he researched and brought a new software system to keep track of all agency I.A. complaints, use of force concerns and employee warning signs. While working on Special Events, Edde also established a mutual aid relationship with surrounding towns to better manage resources during manpower issues connected to large events such as the Manchester Road Race. He also worked hand-in-hand with Accreditation to institute and gain compliance with a department General Order. While serving as Dayshift Commander he oversaw units including Traffic Services, SRO, Domestic Violence, Pistol Permit, Animal Control and Fleet maintenance, as well as monitoring the dayshift specific budget spending.
Edde received various Citations through the years including the Medal of Valor, 2 Meritorious Service Citations, 2 Meritorious Service Unit Citations, a Distinguished Service Citation, a Distinguished Service Unit Citation, 2 Lifesaving Citations, and 2 Lifesaving Citations from State Police Chief’s.
Edde volunteered for the Manchester Police Activities League as a karate instructor and also coached youth teams in basketball and soccer in his local community through the years. He has been married for 24 years to his wife Theresa and has three daughters.