North Branford Chief of Police Kevin Halloran will retire on April 30, 2024, completing five years of highly praised police leadership for the town and over 35 years in policing.

Halloran announced his decision to retire in a letter to the Board of Police Commissioners on Oct. 10. His intended retirement date of April 30, 2024 fulfills his five-year contract with the Town of North Branford, which began in 2019.

“After consideration and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to step into a well-deserved retirement,” Halloran wrote in part. “I have dedicated over 35 years of my career to policing, with the unique privilege of serving the Town of North Branford for what will be a total of five years. This opportunity to lead as Chief of Police in North Branford, following my significant service in Branford, has been a remarkable chapter in my career.”

A North Branford native, Halloran joined the Branford Police Department (BPD) as an officer in 1989 and was a Captain when he was promoted to BPD Chief of Police in September 2011. He retired from BPD in early 2019. Halloran was sworn in as North Branford Chief of Police in April 2019.

“In the five years he has been the Chief of Police at North Branford, he has been instrumental in many progressive changes as well as outstanding service to our community,” said North Branford Deputy Chief of Police James Lovelace of Halloran in a statement shared with Zip06/The Sound.

“Chief Halloran has left an indelible mark on the North Branford Police Department, working tirelessly, driving meaningful change and whole community improvements,” said Lovelace. “Chief Halloran was instrumental in upgrading the public safety radio network, which not only elevated the safety of first responders and residents but also promotes interoperable communications through the region and enhances the emergency response capabilities. Chief Halloran led the department and town through COVID-19, the police accountability bill, and a new police department which is currently under construction on Forest Road. This is only a small list of the many accomplishments and endeavors which Chief Halloran has worked on and continues to oversee until his official retirement date of April 30, 2024, finishing his career in the town he has always called home.”

Halloran said it has been his privilege to work alongside “...incredibly dedicated and talented individuals, the men and women of the North Branford Police Department, who share a deep commitment to public safety and the well-being of our community. Their dedication and professionalism has been a source of inspiration to me, and I am proud to have been a part of such a remarkable team.”

Halloran also expressed his gratitude to the members of the North Branford Police Commission for their support, guidance, and trust.

“Over the years, I have witnessed the Police Department evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. Together, we have achieved significant milestones and advancements, all aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the residents of North Branford. I am proud of the progress we have made and the positive impact we have had on the lives of those we serve,” said Halloran.

In a letter accepting Halloran’s notice of retirement, Commissioner Victor Pietrandrea listed many additional accomplishments brought about under Halloran’s leadership.

“Over the past five years, your leadership and dedication have been nothing short of exemplary,” Pietrandrea stated. “Your vision and commitment to enhancing the Town of North Branford’s public safety efforts have left an indelible mark on our department and town as a whole. Your tireless efforts to drive meaningful change and improvements have not gone unnoticed, and the impact of your work will be felt for years to come.”

Pietrandrea also noted the commissioners had extended an offer to renew Halloran’s contract as a “...testament to the confidence and trust we have in your leadership. However, we respect and understand your decision to retire, and we wholeheartedly support your choice.”

Halloran will work with the commission over the coming months to help provide a smooth transition in leadership.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Chief of Police for the North Branford Police Department, and I will always hold the department and its dedicated members in the highest regard,” Halloran stated.