Committee endorses naming new Middletown communications center for George Dunn, forwards to council

The Middletown Public Safety 911 Center Building Committee voted unanimously April 23 to forward a proposal to name the new communications center the George Dunn Central Communications Center, a step committee members said starts the formal review process required by city code.

The move followed public comment from Mike (3 Blue Meadow Road, Middletown), who urged the committee to support Item 5a and described George Dunn’s long service to Middletown — “52 years serving the city … 30 in the fire department, leaving as its fire chief,” and roles including director of emergency management and administrative assistant to a prior mayor. Mike also cited Dunn’s statewide recognition and a 2016 Michael Green award as reasons to honor him.

Chair moved and the motion was seconded; discussion focused not on whether to honor Dunn but on following the proper procedural steps. Councilman Gennaro noted that, "according to the code and the naming authority, it has to go through the council," and referenced the city’s "23-22 naming authority" provisions requiring public hearings and two appearances on the council agenda. The director confirmed the committee’s vote would be the first step before the item goes to the Public Works Commission and then to the Common Council for the required public hearing and final vote.

Committee members asked that the formal process be followed to avoid any suggestion of politicization. Chair summarized: the committee is expressing support and forwarding the naming through the established channels; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: the naming proposal will be considered by the Public Works Commission and then placed on two Common Council agendas (first for public hearing, then for a final vote) per the city’s naming authority process.