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New Milford swears in officer and honors police for multiple responses, including stabbing and homicide
Summary
The Borough of New Milford swore in Officer Brian Johnson and presented meritorious-service awards to officers involved in several major responses this year, including a March 17 stabbing near New Milford High School, a July traffic stop tied to an out-of-state shooting, a September welfare-check-turned-homicide, an October vehicle rescue, and a November narcotics arrest.
The Borough of New Milford swore in Brian Johnson as a full-time New Milford Police Department officer during the mayor and council’s final meeting of the year. Mayor Michael J. Petrino said Johnson had served as an SEO1 (unarmed special law-enforcement officer) in 2024, graduated from the county police academy on Oct. 21, 2025, and was completing field training.
The mayor and Chief Clancy also presented multiple meritorious-service awards to officers who participated in major incidents this year. For a March 17 stabbing near New Milford High School, Captain Van Seders served as incident commander; detectives and patrol officers worked with the Burton County Prosecutor’s Office and the investigation led to charges against five adults and one juvenile, including attempted murder and aggravated assault, the mayor said. The council recognized a long list of officers for their roles in that response.
Officials also honored officers involved in a July 21 traffic stop after license-plate readers indicated a vehicle connected to a New York shooting. Officers Duran and Kibblehan stopped the vehicle, detained occupants and coordinated with NYPD detectives; both suspects were later charged and extradited, according to remarks from the mayor.
A Sept. 25 welfare check at 650 River Road that turned into a homicide scene prompted meritorious-service awards for Sergeant Michael Bryant, Officer Shane Sherman and Officer John Francine. The mayor described officers securing the scene, detaining a suspect and preserving evidence while also contending with an aggressive dog.
The council recognized Sergeant Mark O’Brien for rescuing an injured driver from a smoking vehicle on Oct. 8; the driver was later charged with driving while intoxicated. Finally, Mayor Petrino said a Nov. 11 traffic stop led to the recovery of THC products beyond legal thresholds, additional cannabinoid materials, a digital scale and $46,000 in cash; the driver was arrested on distribution and money-laundering charges and Officers Shane Sherman and Brian Johnson received awards.
Mayor Petrino thanked the department, command staff and families, and offered holiday greetings. The council did not record any public comment during this portion of the meeting.
