top of page

SUPPORT A CADET

Through a dedicated scholarship program, you can be a part of financially assisting one or more cadet attend the week-long academy to fine tune their community policing skills and instill leadership skills to be used both in and outside of the Cadet Program. 

Deputy Chief F. Leo Gantert Scholarship Fund

Retired Officer (SPO) Brian Gantert came to the Danbury Police Cadets wanting to create a way to send Cadets to the Cadet Police Academy in honor of his father, Deputy Chief F. Leo Gantert. Deputy Chief Gantert was impressed by a parent who told him of the impact the (then) Explorer Police Academy had on her son. The Explorer Police Academy was replaced by the Cadet Police Academy in 2010. The Deputy Chief F. Leo Gantert Scholarship Fund was established to financially assists Cadets who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to go to the Academy. At $750 for the week, the Academy is beyond the ability of some Cadets to afford. 

A LEGACY OF SERVICE

F. Leo Gantert, retired Danbury Deputy Police Chief, died peacefully on Friday, July 5th at the age of 91.after a long and fulfilling life. Leo was born in Danbury, the elder son of the late Frederick and Elizabeth (Flynn) Gantert. A lifelong Danbury resident, he was a graduate of St. Peter Parochial School and Danbury High School. Leo was a parishioner of St. Peter Parish.

​

His forty-nine year law enforcement career began after serving with the U.S. Army during World War II. Joining the Danbury Police Department in 1948 he was promoted through the ranks to Deputy Police Chief. During his tenure of many years he witnessed the growth and expansion of the department from the basement of the old City Hall to the modern headquarters of today.


Leo was an active member of the Police Athletic League coaching its various youth activities. He served as the League President and on the Board of Directors until his retirement. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and a current member of the Police Benevolent Association. In 1998 he received the Civic Award from the Old Timers Association for his contribution to the city baseball leagues. Leo loved all animals especially his pets over the years, Lady, Lucy, Barney, Jake and Rascal. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed working in his yard. In addition to his wife, Lenore, of nearly 60 years, he is survived by his son, Brian Gregory and his wife, Cheryl of Danbury, sister-in-law Jean Gantert of Old Saybrook and several nieces and nephews. Leo is predeceased by his brother, William.

HOW TO DONATE

Your support helps provide Danbury Police Cadets with the training, opportunities, and experiences they need to grow as leaders and become active members of their community. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps make these opportunities possible and supports the continued growth and success of the Cadet Program.

​

Community support plays an important role in the continued success of the Danbury Police Cadets. Through the generosity of individuals, families, local businesses, and community partners, we are able to continue building a strong program and creating meaningful opportunities for the young people we serve.

​

Your generosity helps us carry forward our commitment to leadership, service, and community involvement while supporting the continued development of future leaders.

​​​​​​

MAIL IN DONATIONS​

 

All donations are deductible as the Danbury Law Enforcement Cadets, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity under IRS Regulations.​ Donations to the Deputy Chief F. Leo Gantert Scholarship Fund can be sent to the Danbury Police Cadets,​

ATTN: Sgt. Antedomenico, 375 Main St, Danbury CT 06810.

DONATE TO OUR PROGRAM

Frequency

One time

Monthly

Amount

$25

$50

$100

$250

$500

$1,000

Other

0/100

Comment (optional)

THANK YOU

Beginning in 2026, this scholarship fund was able to send 21 Cadets to the 2026 Cadet Police Academy. Any funding received from this point forward will go toward the 2027 Cadet Police Academy. More information about the Academy can be found below.

CONTACT US

375 Main St.

Danbury, CT 06810

(203) 796-1572

GET INVOLVED

ABOUT US

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
bottom of page