Middlebury Police Commission Approves Tahoe Patrol Vehicle, Reviews Intersection Speed Data

MIDDLEBURY, CT — The Middlebury Police Commission unanimously approved purchasing a Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicle with traditional black-and-white markings and a roof-mounted light bar during its Oct. 19 meeting, following a discussion about police vehicle visibility, cost and equipment needs.

The commission also reviewed traffic data for the intersection of Three Mile Hill Road, Colonial Avenue and Kelly Road, heard updates on police staffing and received information about a DNA database match connected to an earlier bomb-related call at Avalon Farms.

Commissioners Favor Visible Patrol Vehicles

Deputy Police Chief Ron Hunt presented options for replacing deteriorating wraps and graphics on existing police vehicles.

Hunt said some vehicles arrive from the manufacturer with all-black exteriors and are subsequently wrapped in white on the roof and doors. Over time, the wrapping has faded or chipped.

Restoring the traditional black-and-white appearance would cost approximately $3,500 per vehicle, depending on the cost of removing the existing wrap.

Hunt said a second option, using subdued or "ghost" graphics, would cost $995 for the new decals, in addition to the cost of removing the old wrapping.

Commissioner Rita Smith said she favored maintaining clearly identifiable patrol vehicles, although ghost graphics could be appropriate for detective, undercover or supervisory vehicles.

Smith said residents she had spoken with also preferred visible patrol markings.

Police Chief Patrick Deely raised concerns about whether motorists could readily identify a police vehicle in their rearview mirrors, particularly given concerns about people impersonating police officers.

Commission Chairman George Moreira agreed that patrol vehicles should remain highly visible. He also expressed support for retaining roof-mounted light bars.

Commissioner Ralph Barra supported the traditional markings, while Commissioner Fran Barton Jr. discussed changes in police vehicle lighting equipment.

The commission also considered whether to purchase Chevrolet Tahoes or Ford Explorers.

Hunt said the Tahoe costs approximately $8,400 more than the Explorer, although the department had not tracked a fuel economy comparison.

Deely said Tahoes provide more interior room for officers and their equipment.

Smith said the department should account for the potential fuel costs associated with using Tahoes for patrol.

Barton moved to approve the purchase of a Tahoe with black-and-white markings and a light bar. Barra seconded the motion.

The motion passed unanimously.

Traffic Study Finds Average Speeds Below Posted Limit

The commission reviewed concerns about traffic conditions near the intersection of Three Mile Hill Road, Colonial Avenue and Kelly Road.

Deely reported that a department speed-monitoring sign recorded an average vehicle speed of 23.11 mph, below the area's posted 25 mph limit.

The equipment also recorded an average traffic volume of approximately 828 vehicles per day.

Deely said there had been no reported accidents at the intersection.

The sign monitored vehicles traveling downhill from west to east.

Commissioners had previously discussed a resident's request for a stop sign in the area.

Deely said the available traffic data did not indicate a need for changes at this time.

He acknowledged concerns that development underway nearby could increase traffic volumes and recommended waiting until construction is completed before reconsidering the intersection.

Moreira agreed that the commission should rely on the available data and reassess conditions if speeds or accident numbers increase.

No traffic control changes were approved.

Police Department Reports Staffing Changes

Deely informed the commission that Officer DuVerger had resigned and that the officer's final day would be Oct. 20.

He also reported that a retired detective sergeant from the Naugatuck Police Department had submitted hiring paperwork and that the process of bringing that person onto the department full time was underway.

The department has also hired a retired Connecticut state trooper for part-time work, Deely said.

DNA Match Reported In Avalon Farms Investigation

Deely told commissioners that a DNA database match had been identified in connection with a previous bomb-related call at Avalon Farms.

He said investigators planned to seek a search warrant to collect a DNA sample from the person identified through the database.

The sample would be sent to a laboratory for comparison.

Deely said police would seek an arrest warrant if the results confirmed a match.

The chief presented the information as an investigative update. The minutes did not identify the person or report an arrest.

Officer Recognized For Missing Child Investigation

Deely read correspondence from Stamford Police Lt. Kevin Keenan recognizing Middlebury Officer Markiewicz and officers from the Waterbury Police Department for their assistance in locating a missing child in a custodial abduction case.

A commendation letter was placed in Markiewicz's personnel file.

Moreira also read a letter from a Southbury resident thanking Officer Daniel Gillotti for installing a grandchild's car seat.

The resident included a monetary donation to the police department.

Vehicle Shelter Discussed

During public comment, Board of Finance Chairman Vin Cipriano supported maintaining highly visible police vehicles.

Cipriano also encouraged the commission to investigate whether constructing a carport or other shelter could extend the service life of department vehicles.

He suggested a cost-benefit analysis before making a decision.

Deely said the town's inland wetlands officer had examined the area and identified no apparent issue with the proposed location, noting that light poles were already installed in the rear parking lot.

No action was taken on a vehicle shelter.

Other Commission Business

Barton reported that Police Officer Standards and Training Council instruction scheduled for Nov. 17 would address new accreditation standards taking effect in 2027 and the documentation required to demonstrate compliance.

He said Amy Von Culin was continuing to prepare evidence for the department's 2027 accreditation assessment and that state policy changes would require updates to local procedures.

The commission unanimously approved its 2027 meeting schedule. The individual dates were not reproduced in the meeting minutes.

Commissioners also unanimously approved the Sept. 14 meeting minutes, with a correction clarifying that an electric bicycle rider discussed at that meeting had nearly been struck by a vehicle twice.

The Oct. 19 meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.