Brookfield Police Commission Sees Rising Calls, Rescinds Vacancy, Tables Towing Review, Names Chair for 2026

BROOKFIELD, Conn. — The Brookfield Police Commission reviewed department activity and administrative matters at its Jan. 7 regular meeting, including staffing challenges and a pending towing application, members said. The commission also reaffirmed leadership assignments for the coming year.

The session began at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in Room 133 of the Brookfield Municipal Center, with members R. Martino, R. Horree, R. Murphy, R. Lovell and Ry. Murphy present, along with alternates M. Nacinovich and S. Farrell. Police Chief John Puglisi, Captain M. Donadio and Captain T. Augustine also attended.

Calls for Service Increase
Chief Puglisi reported that Brookfield police handled 17,417 calls in 2025, up from 16,284 in 2024. He noted 1,555 calls in December, an increase of 169 over November. The department’s year-to-date budget stood at 53%, slightly above the target of 50%.

Captain Augustine shared the latest Traffic Services report, but Puglisi said the department was not selected to receive previously discussed grant funding.

Puglisi also outlined plans to update police radios. The town will schedule a communications code plug upload and radio flash on Jan. 20 or 21, with a month’s monitoring to follow.

Staffing and Dispatch Changes
Puglisi proposed changes to the part-time dispatcher schedule, suggesting that moving midnight shifts to full-time (40 hours) could attract more applicants. He said support from the Board of Finance will be needed to fund the higher salary.

Supervisory Vacancy Rescinded
On personnel matters, Puglisi said the department had received no interest in the advertised supervisory corporal position, which he said may be due to a job description that doesn’t accurately reflect the role. The commission agreed to decertify the role and rescind the vacancy announcement, with plans to revisit it when a revised description is ready.

Lakeville Towing Application Tabled
Chair R. Martino said commissioners should review the recent Lakeville Towing application report and agreed to table the full towing discussion to the February meeting for further consideration.

Letters and Community Notes
Chief Puglisi read a thank-you letter from a resident, Lynn Grey, expressing appreciation for the commission’s participation in the Holiday Toy Drive at the Candlewood Inn and well wishes for the new K-9. Martino also read a holiday greeting letter from Diane Eng.

Leadership and Tabled Items

On officer nominations for 2026, the commission chose to table the full slate until the February meeting, when the next official member is expected to arrive. Commissioners unanimously agreed that R. Martino would remain as chair. Martino was nominated and elected as 2026 chair, and commissioners voted to table nominations for other officer positions.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next regular meeting is Feb. 4, 2026.

*This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy.*