Representing another step in a year of "tremendous transition" for the agency, seven Branford Police Department (BPD) staff were promoted to top ranking posts on August 28, at a swearing-in ceremony packed with family, friends, area police chiefs and officers, retired officers and others from this town and beyond.

Police Commission chair Jill Marcus swore-in each of the seven to their new ranks, including Deputy Chief John Alves, Captain John Finkle, Captain David Galdenzi, Lieutenant Philip Ramey, Lieutenant Gregory Watrous, Sergeant Matthew Clerkin and Sergeant Melissa Carney.

Branford Police Chief Jonathan Mulhern said the staff promotions are part of a "tremendous transition" at the agency over the past year. Mulhern also shared service biographies and commendations connected to each (see related story), as well as his own remarks. In recognizing the night's top ranking promotion of Deputy Chief Alves, Mulhern described him as "...my right hand man."

"In my eyes and how we will operate, he is one of the most relied-on parts of the command staff. He is my right-hand man," said Mulhern. "He has my full confidence, he has my full authority and I already have seen his abilities and how he conducts himself. The future of this department is in good hands."

Alves's remarks included a thank-you to Mulhern, the commission, his family and the men and women of BPD.

"I would like to thank our officers for their pride in our agency, commitment to service and the citizens of our town," said Alves. "You, along with our colleagues in the fire department, are carrying the weight of a small town on your shoulders. You are there, day in and day out, for the citizens of Branford."

Commissioner Richard Goodwin said the commission has worked diligently, in conjunction with Chief Mulhern, to assemble the staff being promoted.

"This event really represents the biggest part of the changing of the old guard to the new," said Goodwin. "And we, the commissioners, are confident that all of [you] will thrive and grow in your role."

In addition to Marcus and Goodwin, Branford's Board of Police Commissioners includes Peter Hugret, Anthony Lasala, John Sousouslas and Valerie Wiel-Wilkins.

Mulhern shared his excitement for the future of BPD, which he described as an "agency in change," including making 11 promotions in the past year, changing its entire command staff, and revising internal responsibilities and jobs within the agency.

Mulhern was promoted to Chief in April of this year, after joining BPD as Deputy Chief in July 2018 from his 26-year career with North Haven Police, where his last post was as Deputy Chief. Mulhern succeeded retired Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran, who became Chief of North Branford Police in March 2019.

"Change is exciting, change is necessary. We will change but still have the fundamental ethics and principals that will drive us. But we will be innovative and move forward," said Mulhern. "This is an infusion of educated, professional [leaders], and it is exciting to me. They're eager to learn, they're eager to develop. But what I've noticed is they're very eager to assume responsibility. That is the hallmark and a tenant of a good leader who is willing to make decisions, take accountability and support their people."

Mulhern said his obligation and pledge is to make sure they continue succeed in their new posts.

"I'm here to support you. I'm here to give the ability to make decisions and contribute to the success of this agency," he told them. "Your individual success will ultimately be our success."

Mulhern added that, at an agency where the words "do the right thing" and "commitment to service" are used regularly, another phrase has been recently instituted at command staff meetings, "...mind the store."

"These sergeants and lieutenants that are working together, when the command staff is home in bed, they are the guardians of this community as well as our agency," said Mulhern. "They are the ones making split-second decisions [and] it is on their shoulders. And we will support them. But with this comes the accountability. And I know that they accept that and are willing to meet the challenge."

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove congratulated the newly promoted leaders, saying they help to "set the example and the standard" for BPD. He also thanked all of the members of BPD for their service.

"Thank you, on behalf of the town, for your service," said Cosgrove. "The calls and challenges each of you face every day is not unique to every town and city across the country; however, it's how you respond and answer that call that sets us apart, and raises the standards of the quality of life here in Branford."