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Torrington board approves two police SUVs; accepts two officers and police reports
Summary
The Torrington Board of Public Safety on Jan. 8 authorized the purchase of two Chevy Tahoe pursuit vehicles, accepted two probationary officers as regular members, and accepted the police chief's November 2024 report.
The Torrington Board of Public Safety on Wednesday authorized the mayor to execute a contract to purchase two Chevy Tahoe police pursuit vehicles and accepted two officers as regular members of the Torrington Police Department.
The board voted to authorize the mayor to award, execute and administer a contract with Sullivan Northwest Hills, Torrington, for two 4x4 Chevy Tahoe pursuit vehicles at a total cost of $146,582, the board was told. The purchase was recommended by the vehicle replacement advisory board and the fleet manager and will be funded through the vehicle replacement account, with details in the Purchasing Agent’s letter attached to the agenda.
The purchase matter drew a brief exchange about why the department selected the Tahoe over Ford and Dodge Durango models. “We did have problems with the Ford as far as the lighting,” said Chief of Police Chip Baldwin, explaining condensation and other defects delayed Ford deliveries and that the Tahoe compared favorably with the Durango in department testing and in peer departments’ use. Baldwin said the two new vehicles will be used as supervisor trucks and “they’re all gonna be marked.”
The board also accepted two probationary officers as regular members of the department. The board approved accepting Officer Conrad Avellone as a regular member effective Jan. 12, 2025, and Officer Brett Wesner effective Jan. 14, 2025. Both motions were seconded and carried.
The board accepted Chief Baldwin’s police report for November 2024. Baldwin noted staffing remains short: "we're down 11 people at this point," he said, while reporting that an officer graduated from the Meriden Academy and nine applicants will be interviewed Jan. 14 for upcoming academy seats. He also introduced Melissa Hurley, the department’s new social worker, who began Dec. 9 and has already connected with officers and community providers.
Votes at a glance - Motion to accept regular meeting minutes from Dec. 4, 2024 — approved; Commissioner Benedetto recorded as abstaining for the record. (motion moved by Commissioner Craigwell; second by Commissioner McLeod) - Accept Officer Conrad Avellone as regular member (effective 01/12/2025) — approved. (seconded by Commissioner McElroy) - Accept Officer Brett Wesner as regular member (effective 01/14/2025) — approved. (seconded by Commissioner Cogswell) - Authorize mayor to execute contract for two Chevy Tahoe pursuit vehicles, Sullivan Northwest Hills — approved. (seconded by Commissioner McElroy) - Accept Chief Baldwin's November 2024 police report — approved.
The board did not provide a roll-call vote tally for most motions; where the record includes one abstention it is noted above. The Purchasing Agent’s letter and council approval were referenced as supporting documents for the vehicle purchase.
Ending The department will receive the new vehicles under the vehicle replacement account; the agenda packet included the Purchasing Agent's letter. The Board of Public Safety moved on to fire and EMS business after the police items.
