Press Release, Town of North Branford

At their first meeting of the new session on November 14, North Branford’s Town Council approved making several key investments in public safety utilizing unallocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Town of North Branford.

The Council authorized an amount not to exceed $275,000 to procure active shooter kits for officers including protective body armor and helmets, state-of-the-art license plate readers which will allow quick tracking of vehicles passing through town that have been reported stolen, two Traffic Logix radar feedback signs that show rate of speed and collect motorist data, an upgrade of 30 new handguns, and a Dodge Durango canine vehicle. Councilors Walter Goad and Marie Diamond, who serve as Council liaisons with the Police Commission, were instrumental in working on the list of items secured with the Police Department.

“There is no question that our North Branford community and communities across the State of Connecticut are facing an increase in violent crime,” said Deputy Chief of Police James Lovelace. “The support and action to fund these public safety needs by the North Branford Town Council as their first official business, sends an astounding message to the members of the North Branford Police Department and the residents of this small New England community. Law enforcement faces many complex challenges and with this funding it will enable the officers to respond to these difficult times safely and effectively.”

“This is a great use of the ARPA funds,” said Mayor Rose Angeloni. “These funds will allow the department to acquire equipment upgrades to help our officers keep our community safe in this challenging time. The Council appreciates all the work our first responders do to protect North Branford.”

“I am very pleased that our Town Council was able to provide these ARPA funds to our amazing Police Department for some much-needed equipment that will assist in safeguarding our community,” said Councilor Nick Palladino, who is a police officer with the Town of East Hartford. “The unanimous vote shows the Council’s continued commitment and support to our first responders.”

"As someone who has worked in Law Enforcement for almost 20 years, I've seen how much policing has changed over that time,” said Councilor Ron Pelliccia, who is a probation officer with the Connecticut Judicial Branch. “I believe these purchases will not only help us keep up with the times, but also help our officers be more effective in their mission of keeping our community safe. I would like to thank our officers and the rest of the Town Council for working together on this issue."

“North Branford owes our police officers our deepest gratitude for their dedication to this community, and we want to always support them in their efforts to protect all residents,” said Councilor Marie Diamond.

“These investments on the part of the Town Council come at a critical time when property crimes are on the rise across the state,” said Town Manager Michael Downes. “We are pleased to continue our support of our police professionals by ensuring they have what they need to protect our residents.”