Commission, Town Honors Branford Police Service, Bravery, Protection

BRANFORD, CT — It's been a while in coming, as the pandemic scuttled so much for so long.

But this week, the Branford Board of Police Commissioners, Branford Police Department Chief Jon Mulhern, and Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove honored the men and women of the Branford Police Department including our officers, telecommunicators, and police social worker. And, due to its close working relationship, and especially on high-profile incidents, officers from the East Haven Police Department too were honored.

The ceremony, which featured a performance by the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, was an opportunity to "thank all the officers, dispatchers, and civilian personnel who continue to work hard 24/7/365 to provide service and safety to those who live, work and travel through Branford."

Congratulations to all who received commendations for their commitment to service, bravery and continued dedication to protecting and serving the Branford community.

The awards presented were in recognition of the following:

• Officers’ and dispatchers’ heroic actions on April 13, 2021 during the active shooter in Branford. That day, shots began to ring out just after noon. Read that story here.

The Branford Police Department received calls of an active shooter in the area of Main Street and Cherry Hill Road. Officers were on scene within 90 seconds and were met with a barrage of gunfire. Over 160 rounds were fired by the suspect. During this incident, one individual was shot by the suspect and suffered non-life threatening injuries. That individual was rescued by officers and transported to seek medical treatment. The suspect was found deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The quick response, bravery and actions by officers to immediately contain the suspect contributed to no additional injuries or loss of life.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Deputy Chief John Alves, Captain Gregory Watrous, Captain David Galdenzi, Lieutenant Philip Ramey, Lieutenant Corrianne Carangelo, Detective Lieutenant Dominick Eula, Lieutenant Rashaad Roach, Sergeant Matthew Clerkin, Sergeant Stosh Konesky, Detective Ryan Tobin, Detective David Atkinson, Detective Josef Herten, Detective Arthur Ferris, Detective Peter Kendzierski, Detective Marc Andrew, Detective Patrick Moynihan, Officer Michael Amarante, Officer William Burghart, Officer Jeffrey Couto, Officer Steven Crowley, Officer Richard Dahlin, Officer Robert Iovanna, Officer Gregory Nutcher, Officer Patrick OMalley, Officer Rocco Morgan, Officer Lue Sobieraj, East Haven Lieutenant Joseph Finoia, East Haven Lieutenant Kevin Klarman, East Haven Sergeant Joseph Mulhern, East Haven Sergeant Joseph Carangelo, East Haven Sergeant Jeffrey Vailette, East Haven Officer Fred Sego, East Haven Officer Donato Palma, Telecommunicator Patricia Numberg, Telecommunicator Alyssa Shultz, and Telecommunicator Amber Boisseau.

• Apprehension of a quadruple murder suspect. Read that story here.

The Branford Police Department received a call from an out of state police agency regarding the possibility of a quadruple homicide suspect residing in Branford. Constant surveillance was set up on the individual until an advantageous opportunity presented itself to take the individual into custody without incident.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Captain Gregory Watrous, Detective Lieutenant Dominick Eula, Detective Ryan Tobin, Detective Arthur Ferris, Detective Josef Herten, Detective Peter Kendzierski, Detective David Atkinson, Sergeant Melissa Carney and K9 Arrow, and Sergeant Richard Dahlin

• Successful lifesaving efforts

The Branford Police received a report of an individual in the center of town having a medical emergency. Upon Sergeant Clerkin’s arrival, he immediately began CPR continuing until members of the Branford Fire Department were on scene. The individual was eventually revived and transported to the hospital.

The awardee:

Medal of Commendation-Sergeant Matthew Clerkin

• Crime fighting and prevention and public protection

* Officer Burghart observed a suspicious individual in a local gas station. Given the recent uptick in motor vehicle thefts from gas station parking lots, Officer Burghart pulled in to investigate. Ultimately, a robbery in progress was interrupted. The suspect ran from the scene but was caught by responding officers and refused to give his name. Witness statements and intelligence gathering assisted in a successful conclusion to this incident. Read that store here.

The awardees are:

Medal of Commendation-Officer William Burghart
Unit Citation-Officer Caroline Massey, Officer Michael Vitale, Officer Christopher Cope, and Detective Arthur Ferris

* The Branford Police Department secured an arrest warrant as the result of a violent domestic violence incident. The suspect was tracked down and barricaded himself in a house, while armed, which prompted a SWAT callout. After several hours of negotiations with Detective Ferris, the suspect surrendered without incident.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Captain John Finkle, Detective Paul Perrotti, Detective Pat Moynihan, Detective Ryan Tobin, Detective Art Ferris and Detective Marc Andrew

* An officer received information from North Haven Police that a male could be headed towards Branford, was armed with a handgun, and may attempt “suicide by cop.” Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop and safely ordered the male out of the car, securing the male, ultimately taking control of the firearm from the male’s waistband. The male was further transported for mental health treatment and Officers were able to seize the rest of his firearms.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Sergeant Richard Dahlin, Officer John Abely, Officer Michael Amarante, Detective David Atkinson, Detective Peter Kendzierski, and Officer Jeff Zadjura

* The Branford Police Department investigated a stolen motor vehicle complaint and when the vehicle was recovered, five juveniles were apprehended. It was suspected that one of the juveniles was in possession of a handgun that was stolen in Branford. Through interviews conducted by Detective Atkinson and Lieutenant Carangelo, they were able to recover the stolen handgun.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Deputy Chief John Alves, Lieutenant Corrianne Carangelo, and Detective David Atkinson

* The Branford Police Department received a call from a panic-stricken citizen regarding a robbery in progress. Telecommunicator Sands was able to calm the citizen down and gathered vital information and relayed it to responding officers. Officer Morgan, Officer Burghart and Sergeant Romanello were able to take the suspect into custody as Officers Abely and Glifort and Sergeant Loftis gathered witness statements to assist in prosecution.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Officer John Abely, Officer William Burghart, Officer Alicia Glifort, Officer Rocco Morgan, Sergeant Michael Loftis and Sergeant Christopher Romanello

Letter of Commendation-Telecommunicator Cristina Sands

* The Branford Police Department received a call from another police agency that a murder suspect was possibly in our town. The firearm used in the homicide was not recovered and the suspect was considered armed and dangerous. Surveillance was set up by officers and contact was eventually made with the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody by without incident.

The awardees are:

Unit Citation-Detective Lieutenant Dominick Eula, Lieutenant Philip Ramey, Detective Arthur Ferris, Detective Josef Herten, Detective Patrick Moynihan, Officer Rocco Morgan, Officer William Burghart, Officer Kenneth Erdos, Officer Alicia Glifort, Officer Caroline Massey and Officer Shannon MacIsaac