Kevin Halloran Appointed New Branford Police Chief

After 235 minutes behind closed doors, Branford Board of Police Commissioners Chair Jon Grossman announced that Kevin Halloran will take the position as current chief of the department.

"I can tell you it was a tortuous decision," said Grossman, "but I trust we made the right one."

Following the announcement, former Captain and new Chief, Halloran said, "I can't even being to tell you how happy I am." When asked if he was surprised to have been chosen out of the three candidates he said, "I worked hard for it but there's still an element of surprise." Halloran then stated he wanted to publically thank DeCarlo for mentoring him and pushing him to further his education.

As Halloran called his wife to spill the details, Morgan said of the new chief, "He's a good, solid man and he'll do very, very well here as chief and I expect nothing less than greatness for our agency."

Just after 5 p.m. tonight, the Branford Board of Police Commissioners entered into executive session to conduct final interviews with the three potential candidates for Branford Chief of Police. Just before entering into session, the Commission also voted unanimously to accept current ’s resignation. DeCarlo will embark on a teaching career at University of New Haven where he will hold the title Associate Professor.

First to be interviewed was Halloran who has been with Branford since 1989.

Second to be interviewed was Deputy Chief Thomas Fowler, who by past methods of promotion, would normally have been appointed to Chief. In an earlier interview, DeCarlo explained that this time the Board of Commissioners wanted the three potential candidates to take written and oral tests administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration rather than appointing the chief as they have in the past. Tonight all three candidates were also subject to interviews with the commission as part of the new appointment.

While Halloran was sweating it out before the board, Captain Geoffrey Morgan and Fowler kept themselves busy. Morgan had brewed a pot of coffee and confirmed he was nervous as he waited out his turn.

While Morgan was being interviewed Halloran emerged from the back offices of the department to take a phone call outside. He commented that he was anxious going into the interview but felt things went "smooth" during the process. If he was to be appointed, Halloran said, "It's time to take the next step and keep the momentum going and provide a better service for the community. Chief DeCarlo left us with a good foundation here."

Morgan, who currently serves as the department's Public Information Officer and has been with the department for 24 years, said after his interview, "I was just honored to even be able to go and be interviewed for the position. It's certainly something I've been working for my entire career." He added, "I think they have a very difficult decision. I am humbled and very proud that I was able to interview for it." After learning that he did not get the promotion Morgan said, "Beside, 'Captain Morgan' is kind of cool."

Fowler was last to stand before the board. After exiting his interview while the group deliberated, Fowler grabbed a drink of water and commented that he thought the interview went good.

"I think it was a very fair and thorough process and I think the result will be vetting the best candidate for the department."

When asked if he was nervous, he said, "Not as much as I thought I was going to be. It was conversational. A lot of good conversation about issues that are pertinent to the department and the citizens of Branford."

All three candidates were interviewed for approximately one hour each.

As the roles change with the new developments, Branford Patch will update you on the structure of the new department.

All three candidates have received master's degrees with Halloran buttoning up his this week from Tiffin University (online). In a twist of irony, Halloran also noted that he was a student of DeCarlo's when he received his undergraduate from Charter Oak State College. He hopes again to study with DeCarlo's if he is accepted to the University of New Haven Criminal Justice, PH.D. program.*

*This story was first published at 8:35 p.m. and updated at 9:13 p.m. Originally the article stated that Halloran is already enrolled at UNH; he is waiting for acceptance.