Danbury Police Chief Al Baker says the Police Department is saddened over the deaths of two longtime police officers who each died on July 5th. 

Former Deputy Chief Leo Gantert and former Public Information Officer Captain Thomas Wendel died Friday.

Gantert, the former deputy chief for 24 years, worked 49 years in the Danbury Police Department.  Gantert's son Brian and his nephew Pete are both Danbury Police officers.

Wendel, the former public information officer, retired in 2012 after more than 30 years on the department. He worked for the Special Investigations Division, for Community Services and as a spokesman among other areas.

Thomas is survived by his children one son Ian Wendel one daughter Devon Wendel one brother Ted Wendel and his wife Joanne one sister Barbara McIlrath and her husband Joe also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements for the men have not been made public. 

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, July 10 between the hours of 5-8 pm at the Cornell Memorial Home for Wendel.  The family is asking that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Thomas' name to:Special Olympics Connecticut2666 State Street, Suite 1Hamden, CT 06517