NB Police Union President Requests Staffing Additions

After Matthew Canelli, chief of the completed , including results from the recent sergeant’s exam, Officer Anthony DeLuise, who is also the union president, addressed the North Branford Police Commission regarding staffing.

It was announced the Sean Anderson was named detective, while the NBPD is also looking for two sergeants to take the place of the recently retired and .

The top-scoring officers for the Sergeants' Exam, which was administered by South Central Criminal Justice Association of Connecticut, were Records Officer Mario Bernardo, Officer James Lovelace, Detective Sean Anderson, Officer Robert Brockett. 

The Police Commission will have the opportunity to interview four candidates for the two sergeant positions and are also considering candidates for a patrol officer position beginning in July to fill a vacancy being created by a senior officer slated to retire in June.

DeLuise addressed the commission with concerns he hoped to be considered for the upcoming budget presentation, which will be this Saturday, March 24, at 9 a.m. at

“We wholly understand that every taxpayer wants to keep expenses down, but we would like the opportunity to explain concerns, areas where we have shortcomings in staffing and how often there isn’t the appropriate amount of manpower and supervision,” said DeLuise. “Our biggest concern is to make sure it’s safe for the taxpayers when they pick up the phone and call 911.”

Dave Palumbo, vice chairman of the Police Commission, stated they would be happy to hear the union’s concerns and take them under consideration for the upcoming budget presentation.

“I’d feel more comfortable going forward having this information in front of us,” said Palumbo.

DeLuise stressed that the request has no personal gain for the officers, but rather increases safety for the town, the residents and the officers on duty.

“There’s a lack of officers on the road and a lack of supervision,” said DeLuise. “We’d hope that the commission would realize there’s a huge liability out there and this problem needs to be addressed in this budget and in future budgets. I don’t think we can solve it in one year.”