Printer Friendly Version - North Branford Police Department Grand Opening Celebration Set for July 17

Town also announces special swearing-in event for Chief, Deputy Chief

North Branford Police Department (NBPD) will celebrate the newly constructed police department at 305 Forest Road with a grand opening and ribbon cutting event set for July 17. Photo from NBPD Facebook

On Wednesday, July 17, North Branford will celebrate the completion of the new North Branford Police Department (NBPD) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with a grand opening and ribbon cutting event. Later that same day, the department and town officials invite the public to attend a special swearing-in ceremony for Chief of Police James Lovelace and Deputy Chief Michael Pendleton.

Lovelace joined NBPD in 2006 as a police officer, rising through the ranks to serve as sergeant, lieutenant, Acting Chief, Deputy Chief, and now Chief of Police. Pendleton, who joined NBPD this spring, brings 25 years’ experience serving with Connecticut State Police and Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office, retiring at the rank of Major.

NBPD also invites the public to join upcoming Open House tour events scheduled for Saturday, June 29 (9 a.m. - noon), Wednesday, July 3 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), and on an additional date to be announced. Additionally, NBPD is working with North Branford Public Schools to develop a virtual tour video for residents and community members who may not have the chance to attend the Open House events.

The new facility is the result of a $16.2 million project supported by $4.5 million in state funding and $1 million in federal Emergency Operation Center grant monies. Construction of the building, which supports both police services and North Branford’s EOC, began in February 2023.

“The grand opening of this new, state-of-the-art police facility is a testament to the partnerships forged, created, and sustained not only with elected town officials and the North Branford Police Commissioners, but also federal and state leaders and the residents of North Branford. We are thankful for all the volunteers who sacrificed their time from their loved ones and dedicated their expertise and insight in creating this facility, ” Lovelace said.

Lovelace said the men and women of NBPD will be “forever grateful” to the residents of North Branford for supporting the project. The new facility replaces the town’s outmoded and outgrown police facility constructed over 40 years ago.

“The ribbon cutting will not only signify a new era for police and emergency operations center for North Branford but will also set the standard for agencies around the state,” Lovelace said. “This building will foster an environment of community engagement and services for all of our residents while also addressing the needs of the officers now and in years to come. This project was complicated, its scheduling was demanding and the design required a high level of expertise. Newfield Construction performed beyond our expectations.”

The public is invited to the attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 17 at 9:30 a.m. Local, state, and federal officials, including U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-3) and State House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86), will be in attendance.

In news shared by Town Manager Michael Downes, the Town of North Branford also invites the public to join local officials and members of the North Branford Police Commission at a special swearing-in ceremony for Chief Lovelace and Deputy Chief Pendleton on Wednesday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Branford Auditorium, 654 Foxon Road.