Milford Police Chief Files Open Meeting Law Complaint

Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin has filed an Open Meeting Law complaint against Selectman William Kingkade Jr. concerning a Nov. 5 selectmen's meeting where Kingkade read a statement about the chief into the public record.

Kingkade's statement was in response to comments from the public, including one resident who expressed disappointment in the selectmen's earlier handling of the chief's contract. The board had decided in September not to renew the contract, with Kingkade and Selectman William Buckley voting against renewal and Chairman Michael Walsh voting for it.

At the Nov. 5 meeting, Kingkade read a prepared statement explaining that the board had met with and written to the chief to express concerns about his conduct. Kingkade said the board had received no response, which led to the vote against renewal of his contract. In his statement, Kingkade also mentioned that a group had tried to recall him from office, saying, "This fringe group is working hand in hand with the leadership of police department and that's unacceptable."

According to the Milford Daily News, the chief's complaint contends that Kingkade “discussed and disparaged" his character and reputation in his statement and did not give him enough notice to “be heard and respond” or to attend the meeting with legal representation. It also requests that Kingkade publicly apologize.

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