Police, fire chiefs report staffing losses, school threats and aging apparatus; new EMS director introduced

Police Chief Baldwin told the board the department has seven vacancies, held interviews and issued two conditional offers after several no-shows. He announced the resignation of Officer Anthony Arvell effective April 25; Arvell is leaving for another department for better health care and pension benefits and was described as a bilingual officer who served the community.

Baldwin described several operational items: the department will help manage traffic and a single-lane route for a Good Friday procession expected to draw roughly 150–200 attendees; the PD will participate in National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on April 25; and a distracted-driving enforcement period funded by a grant will expand patrols in the coming month.

He also reported enforcement actions: two of four tobacco/vape retail compliance checks resulted in violations (Smoke and Toke at 1061 East Main Street and Vape and Tobacco at 338 Northm Street), fines were issued and further arrests are possible related to illicit THC products. On March 24 the department assisted the DEA executing a search warrant on Lichfield Street that yielded narcotics and a firearm; the subject was arrested by the DEA in Danbury and the investigation remains ongoing.

Chief Baldwin credited Officer Matt Feifer with leading a fraud investigation tied to about $40,000; that probe identified a suspect arrested in California and extradited back to Connecticut, and some funds were recovered. He warned the board that an online group the department calls the "Kitty Mafia" has been responsible for fictitious swatting and bomb-threat calls targeting eastern schools; school resource officers and district leaders were notified.

Baldwin said he attended a community meeting about homelessness that drew about 30 participants; he noted the overnight shelter closes April 15 and the department's social worker (Melissa) will coordinate placements and trespass-management strategies.

Fire Chief Trip opened his remarks by praising Trinity's response and noting regional recognition events. He reported facility and code issues being reviewed with the state fire marshal regarding an occupancy change that could require sprinkler installation (an R3 occupancy). Trip described apparatus problems: engine 5, a 2006 vehicle with frame separation and torque-box corrosion, was removed from service after two independent mechanics estimated a starter/repair cost roughly between $75,000 and $100,000 that might only extend usable life a short time. The department plans a presentation to VRAB, the board of safety, city council and board of finance to explain fleet status and capital needs.

Board members expressed concern about losing officers after the city invests in training; Baldwin said many departures have been pension-driven and agreed to provide an exact headcount next month. Commissioners also raised traffic-safety concerns at a state-controlled Walmart intersection where curbing has been damaged and urged continued state engagement. The meeting concluded with the introduction of Pat Gothier as Trinity's new EMS director; Gothier said he is transitioning into the role after long service at St. Francis.

Why it matters: Chiefs outlined ongoing public-safety activities, personnel turnover tied to pension differences, multiagency narcotics and fraud investigations, and a significant capital-maintenance need for emergency-response apparatus that may require budgetary action.

Next steps: Baldwin will provide a headcount of personnel departures at the next meeting; Trip will present fleet status and cost estimates to relevant boards for capital planning; no formal policy votes were taken during these updates.