North Branford Police Department Looking to Get New Vehicles

The biggest concern addressed at the seemed to be the question of when the department would get new vehicles. Chief Matthew Canelli said that there were originally three vehicles in the budget under capital improvements, but “we don’t know where we stand with that right now.”

Rose Angeloni of the Town Council explained that the town’s money is currently tied up in litigation with the water company and she could not give an estimate on when the issue would be settled.

One car was recently replaced after an , but another car in the NBPD’s fleet went out of commission during the hurricane with a transmission problem. The commission approved a motion to have the car, which has 120,000 miles on it, fixed as “from a fleet standpoint, it puts more of a toll on the other cars,” according to commission member Chris Cozzi.

North Branford Police Employees Union Council 15 Local 484 president Anthony DeLuise was on hand to express his concerns when it comes to getting new vehicles. He pointed out that at the , the purchase of equipment for other departments was discussed, including a new ‘hotbox’ for the Department of Public Works.

“When we’re purchasing equipment for other departments, I’m very disturbed when a pothole fixer comes before the safety of my men and I expect the Town Council and commission to be upset,” said DeLuise. “As far as these vehicles, we need something done now. If not, our union and attorneys will pursue the issue. That’s not my style and we’re not a union that likes to make waves, but it’s about safety.”

DeLuise stated that it is 14 miles through town, from Guilford to the Durham line. North Branford generally has two cars on duty and DeLuise worries what would happen should one of those cars break down.

“If we have two cops and one breaks down, who goes to help the other? It’s endangering the citizens and endangering the members of my union,” he said. “Maybe litigation will be over in four to six months. I’m just looking for some help to work with commission and this town.”