Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel.police topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board accepts two new officers; police department notes resignation and staffing shortfall
Summary
Commissioners accepted Officers Jessica Persichino and Nicholas Bergus as regular members after their probationary periods. Police leadership also announced Officer Thomas Smalls will transfer to Norwalk PD effective Aug. 18, leaving the department about nine positions short.
At the Aug. 5 Board of Public Safety meeting, the board accepted Officer Jessica Persichino as a regular member of the Torrington Police Department effective Aug. 15, 2026, and Officer Nicholas Bergus effective Aug. 18, 2026, after successful completion of their probationary periods. Both motions were moved and seconded and approved on voice votes.
Police leadership also announced the resignation/transfer of Officer Thomas Smalls to Norwalk Police Department, effective Aug. 18, which the chief said will leave the department approximately nine officers under budgeted strength. Officials said recruitment efforts include interviews scheduled for Aug. 27 and one conditional offer is pending further testing and background checks.
Why it matters: The hires add to department capacity, but the announced departure underscores an ongoing staffing shortfall that officials said affects patrol coverage and workload across the city.
