Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran Sworn In (VIDEO)

Last night marked a changing of the guard when Chief Kevin Halloran stepped in as Branford’s new Police Chief, taking the reins from former .

Surrounded by friends, family, Board of Police Commissioners members and town officials, Halloran was sworn into his new role after 22 years of service to the .

Taking the microphone after being sworn in by Jon Grossman, Chair of the Board of Police Commissioners, Halloran said, “I will wear this badge with pride and integrity.”

Though last night was the official ceremony, Halloran was sworn in on Sept. 1, just after Irene, so he could officially lead the department through recovery efforts.

“I know we’ll be going forward with the professionalism this department has shown the last few years,” said First Selectman Anthony “Unk” DaRos of Halloran.

The decision for who would be the next chief was a tough one for the commission, who ultimately made the final decision after three candidates, Deputy Chief Tom Fowler, Captain Geoffrey Morgan and now-Chief Kevin Halloran took written and oral tests. That decision was made by the commission on . When finally getting the opportunity to officially name Halloran the Chief before the public last night, Grossman said quietly to him: “There are big shoes to fill and I know you are the guy to fill them.”

Halloran said he intends on carrying on the team model of the department but noted, “times are different now.” He continued, “We’re looking to move the department, keeping some of the same philosophies, however, taking it to the next level.”

Some of the changes, he said involve a focus on being cost-effective and responding to the community demand for accountability. “We have to look for new ways to do things,” he addressed the audience.

Though Halloran is hoping to keep moving the Branford Police Department forward, his wife Pamela Halloran said she hopes he doesn’t change a thing about himself. “[I hope] he continues to be true to himself and his work,” she said after pinning her husband’s badge on his Chief’s coat.

Halloran’s father Edward Halloran, a former local resident, made the trip from Florida to see his son honored last night. “Sure I’m proud of him,” he commented. “Everything came tough for him,” he said. “Nothing came easy. He had to work hard and he’s still working hard.”

His mother Judy Halloran, a resident of North Branford, said of her son’s appointment, “It’s the best thing in life. I am so proud of him.”

Halloran’s two children, Shannon Halloran and Ryan Halloran were also present last night as was Halloran’s sister Stacy Feeney who came from Boston, MA, to be present for the ceremony.

Chief Halloran joined Branford Police Department in 1989. He held many positions at the department including Field Training Officer. As a sergeant, Halloran supervised the department’s Training Division, Management Information Systems, Communications, Grant Writing and Records Division. Halloran was later appointed Lieutenant and then Captain before his most recent appointment.

Halloran has attended the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Public Safety Administration from Charter Oak State University and a masters degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, Ohio.

Please check back for a full Q&A with the chief next week.