Bethel Police Department Faces Shortage of Officers

Two members of the Bethel Police Department are retiring at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2015, according to the News Times.

Captain David Bruckenthal and Lieutenant Kevin Kennedy are both retiring, Chief Jeffrey Finch told the paper. Three Bethel officers also left the department since last September for various reasons.

At the last Police Commission’s meeting, Commissioner McCollam stated Lt. Kennedy’s desire to become a special officer upon his retirement and that the commission would welcome his service and experience to the department. It was also noted in the meeting minutes that expenses related to replacing the departing staff members would not be carried into the next budget.

The town and the police union recently reached a new five-year contract after nearly two years of negotiations. The new contract includes pay raises for officers, enrollment in an HSA (Health Savings Account) and takes effect in July.

Click here to read the full story on the News Times.