Orange Police Commission Accepts Dispatcher Resignation, Prepares For New Records System

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Board of Police Commissioners unanimously accepted the resignation of dispatcher Benjamin Darling on Oct. 13, while Police Chief Robert Gagne reported that the department's new records management system is scheduled to go live Oct. 29.

The commission also approved its 2027 meeting schedule and heard concerns from a local auto repair business owner about the department's towing rotation list.

New Police Records System Set For Oct. 29

Gagne reported that training on the NexGen records management system was underway for all officers and was expected to be completed Oct. 23.

The department plans to begin using the system Oct. 29.

Business Owner Questions Towing List Procedures

Nick DeGennaro, owner of DeGennaro Auto and Repair at 472 Grace Trail, appeared before the commission to discuss the selection process for businesses seeking inclusion on the Police Department's towing rotation list.

Gagne invited DeGennaro to explain his concerns, and commissioners discussed the department's selection procedures.

The minutes do not specify the requirements for joining the list or indicate that the commission made any changes.

Police Budget And Department Revenue Reviewed

Gagne told commissioners that the Police Department's budget remained balanced, although two accounts required attention.

He said the waste removal account was nearly depleted because Town Hall was managing the bill. He also reported that the department's AFIS Livescan contract cost exceeded the amount quoted in November 2025.

The chief reviewed September expenditures, including Detective Peterson's attendance at a Korean law enforcement conference, repairs to cracks in the parking lot and sprinkler repairs.

The department's Records Division collected $957 in September, including $267 from report sales, $175 from parking tags, $490 from permits and $25 from fingerprinting.

Police Discuss Traffic Cameras And Fraud Prevention

Gagne reported that he had recently addressed the Orange Rotary Club about speed and red-light cameras.

Detective Menga also made a presentation to the club about computer-related scams.

The chief announced that the department's annual Drug Enforcement Administration prescription drug takeback event was scheduled for Oct. 24.

Commissioners also received correspondence from Gagne commending Detective Peterson for receiving an Officer of the Year award.

Commission Approves Resignation And Meeting Schedule

Commissioner Marian Hurley moved to accept Darling's resignation, with Commissioner Christopher Hansen seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioners also unanimously approved their 2027 meeting schedule after correcting a year designation from 2026-27 to 2027-28.

Commissioner Christopher Carveth made the motion, which Hansen seconded.

The commission unanimously approved its Sept. 14 meeting minutes and voted to enter executive session at 5:09 p.m.

Four commissioners attended the meeting. All recorded votes were unanimous.