FY2025 Annual Report

Waterford Police Department 
Waterford, Connecticut 
 
 
Annual Report - Fiscal Year 2024/2025 
“To protect and serve the public, prevent crime, and provide professional law enforcement 
services to our community.” 
-Waterford Police Department Mission Statement- 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
The Waterford Police Department is a 52-member community oriented police agency with many of the current 
Waterford Police Officers living and paying taxes in the Town of Waterford. The department provides exceptional 
service to the town and works closely with other town departments to keep our community safe and engage residents 
in various outreach efforts. 
 
 
During Fiscal Year 2024/2025, under the guidance and direction of the Board of Police Commissioners and Chief 
Marc Balestracci, the Waterford Police Department continued to fulfill its motto, “In the Community Interest.” 
 
 
 
 
 
 “In The Community Interest” 

 
 
 
 
 
Town of Waterford Board of Police Commissioners 
 
The Board of Police Commissioners is comprised of members (L to R) First Selectperson Robert Brule, Christopher 
Gamble, Mark Gelinas, Thomas “Tony” Sheridan and James Dimmock. 
 
 
 
The Waterford Police Commission is a civilian oversight board, empowered under Connecticut state statutes and 
Town of Waterford ordinances. Connecticut State Statute 7-276 details the authority of the Police Commission, 
which has four members that are appointed by the town's Representative Town Meeting and the final member being 
the Town’s First Selectperson. 
 
The members of the Police Commission are all volunteers, with the exception of the First Selectperson, and make 
the final decisions regarding hiring, promotions, demotions and certain civilian complaints.   
 
Chief Marc Balestracci, who was placed in charge of the department in October of 2021 
by the Board of Police Commissioners, works daily with the Administrative Team to 
review the department’s budget status, obtain updates from department division leaders, 
assign tasks as appropriate and review the quality of work being delivered to the 
community. 
 
In FY 2024-2025, the Administrative Team consisted of Investigative Services 
Lieutenant Nicole VanOverloop, Patrol Services Lieutenant Patrick Flanagan, 
Administrative Services Lieutenant David Ferland, Administrative Sergeant Michael 
Fedor, Training Officer Megan Sylvestre, Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll and Jeffrey Robillard from the town’s 
IT Services department. 
 
Formal Administrative Team meetings are held every Monday morning and larger staff meetings held quarterly with 
all Lieutenants, Sergeants and assigned personnel to discuss department needs, personnel and equipment, morale 
considerations, training efforts, budget parameters, scheduling, building and vehicle concerns and special 
assignments. Effective communication remains a priority and these regularly scheduled meetings assist in that effort. 
 
As Chief Balestracci’s focus continues to be in the areas of community engagement, officer development, 
recruitment and employee wellness, these areas are discussed and considered routinely at all levels of our agency. 
 
 
 
 “In The Community Interest” 
Chief of Police 
Marc Balestracci 

 
 
 
 “In The Community Interest” 

 
 
2024/2025 Fiscal Year Prominent Events 
 
 
On July 1, 2024, newly hired officers Connor Abram and Nicolette Maselli were sworn in 
 
On July 2, 2024, members of the WPD, along with our regional crash investigation team, responded to a serious 
motor vehicle accident on Old Colchester Road, closing the road for several hours. 
 
On July 5, 2024, officers responded to an alert of a vehicle wanted in connection with over 20 thefts in the region.  
After a traffic stop and foot chase, several arrests were made solving cases throughout the region 
 
On July 8, 2024, Officer Julie Jordan was sworn in after transferring from the Plainfield Police Department 
 
On July 20, 2024, WPD hosted a newly licensed/permitted drivers traffic stop practice event at WHS 
 
On August 5, 2024, Community Engagement Officer Fredricks, along with three newly hired officers, Boxley, 
Abram and Maselli assisted Groton Town PD with National Night Out. From hire to retire, we focus on community 
engagement 
 
On August 10, 2024, WPD managed traffic and safety, as well as participated in, the Waterford Day Parade  
 
On August 15, 2024, WPD participated with Youth and Family Services at Shop with a Cop at Wal-Mart 
 
In August, our Investigative Services unit went to 43 businesses in town to educate and check for financial card 
skimmers at points of payment 
 
On August 28, 2024, we began the school year with three full-time School Resource Officers.  They are teamed with 
two full-time Armed School Security Officers employed by the Board of Education. 
 
On September 10, 2024, WPD hosted Coffee with a Cop at the Waterford Community Center 
 
On September 13, 2024, WPD participated in the State Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair in Meriden, CT 
 
On September 14, 2024, a large group of ATVs and dirt bikes illegally traveled through roadways all over eastern 
CT.  While in Waterford, officers were able to arrest two participants and seize both ATVs. 
 
On September 14, 2024, Officers Donovan, Winakor and Gorman recorded our a new Community Outreach Video 
 
On September 26, 2024, WPD hosted Tip-A-Cop at Longhorn’s Steakhouse to raise funding for CT Special 
Olympics 
 
On October 1, 2024, the Investigative Services Unit conducted a search warrant on Clark Lane, resulting in two 
arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs and US currency. 
 
On October 4, 2024, Sgt. Zachary Caler and Officer Stephen Rogers were recognized by MADD for their efforts to 
combat impaired driving 
 
On October 5, 2024, WPD participated in the CT Gun Safe Giveaway giving free gun safes to residents 
 
On October 6, 2024, WPD participated in the annual Safe Futures Walk at the newly renovated Holm Jr. park 
 
In October, WPD teamed up with Senior Services for a traffic safety and aging presentation at a Lunch and Learn 
 
In October, WPD participated in the annual PD vs FD softball game (this was not a good year for the PD), the 
Harvest Fest event at the beach and the Waterford High School Job Fair 
 
Throughout the month of November, WPD partnered with WYFS, NL Homeless and Hospitality Center and CT 
DOT to safely relocate and house those in homeless encampments in town, before the winter temps set in 
 
On November 7, 2024, the entire PD received refresher training from Hartford Healthcare representative Christine 
Johnson on interacting with people who have special needs, with a focus on Dementia and Alzheimer’s  
 
 
 “In The Community Interest” 

 
 
On November 13, 2024, Officers Surdo and Krysztofiak were awarded Meritorious Service Awards for their actions 
when responding to a call for service with a suicidal man 
 
On November 15, 2024, Officer Elizabeth Boxley graduated the Police Academy 
 
On November 25, 2024, Channel 3 News interviewed Sgt. Epps in response to our Retail Theft Initiative effort to 
reduce shoplifting in Waterford 
 
On December 6, 2024, WPD participated in the Light The Night tree lighting event at Holm Jr. park 
 
On December 8, 2024, WPD hosted a Stuff-A-Cruiser event at Waterford Wal-Mart 
 
On December 9, 2024, Great Neck School students came to the PD to get a tour and help decorate our tree 
 
On December 9, 2024, Lt. Ferland, Investigator Zaldivar, Officer Bushwack and Officer Reed were presented 
Chief’s Awards for their work in assisting another department through an employee suicide debrief 
 
On December 29, 2024, WPD responded to an armed robbery at a gas station in the Quaker Hill section of Town 
 
In January, Officer Zachary Bushwack was named the 2024 WPD Officer of the Year 
 
On January 10, 2025, WPD responded to an armed bank robbery on Boston Post Road. Patrol, Investigative 
Services, our Wellness Team and our Chaplain Unit responded to the scene to investigate and assist staff 
 
On January 18, 2025, WPD hosted an Open House event to engage the community and recruit new members 
 
In January, Officer Eric Fredricks was awarded Humanitarian of the Year by the Waterford Lions Club 
 
On February 9, 2025, WPD responded to Wal-Mart for fraudulent returns.  The call resulted in three Pennsylvania 
residents being arrested and $5,400 in counterfeit currency seized.  Cases in other locations were solved as a result 
 
On February 20, 2025, Officers Conner Abram and Nicolette Maselli graduated the police academy 
 
On March 2, 2025, a large scale disturbance occurred at a youth basketball game at the middle school.  Three 
Middletown residents were arrested as a result of the incident where two people were injured. 
 
On March 13, 2025, WPD received Tier III State Accreditation.  The highest level, which reviews policy and 
practices of the department, was reached well before State law requirements 
 
On March 24, 2025, newly hired officer Tyrone Mack was sworn in 
 
On March 26, 2025, Investigative Services served a search warrant on Sound View Drive.  As a result of that 
service, two residents were arrested and illegal drugs and packaging materials were seized 
 
In April, the WPD participated in a national podcast to bring attention to the Kyle Seidel murder case 
 
In April, WPD hosted a police bicycle training course to certify more WPD officers on our bikes 
 
In May, Officer First Class Robert Edwards and Officer First Class Gil Maffeo retired after 26 and 25 years of 
service to our community 
 
On June 4, 2025, WPD members participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run 
 
In June, Joyce Brown retired as the Evening Shift Secretary after 28 years of service to the town 
 
 
 “In The Community Interest” 

 
 
Waterford Police call types, use of force*, and car stop data  
 
 
 
 
Category 
Number 
Change from previous fiscal 
year 
Arrests 
959 
+16% 
Calls For Service 
30,959 
+8% 
Case Numbers 
1,598 
-18% 
Motor Vehicle Stops 
7,327 
        +30% 
EDP/Welfare Checks 
487 
-9% 
Larceny/Shoplifting 
519 
+27% 
Domestic Violence 
151 
+32% 
Assault 
7 
-66% 
Drug Overdose 
7 
-36% 
Impaired Driving 
48 
-7% 
Missing Person 
28 
-76% 
School Checks 
814 
-30% 
Motor Vehicle Crashes 
686 
-8% 
Walk-in Complaints 
510 
-8% 
Alarms 
840 
-17% 
Residence Checks 
1,839 
+15% 
Suspicious Person/Vehicle 
779 
+1% 
Stolen Cars 
18 
+28% 
 “In The Community Interest” 
Motor Vehicle Stop Statistics 

 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
 
PATROL SERVICES 
The Patrol Division, which is led by Lt. Patrick Flanagan, is the largest and most 
visible component of the Waterford Police Department, often serving as the first 
impression of the agency during interactions with members of the community. 
Patrol provides service to approximately 20,000 residents in addition to the 
numerous business owners, employees and visitors that enjoy what our town has 
to offer on a daily basis. Patrol coordinates and implements community policing 
initiatives and enforcement activities in the Town of Waterford in accordance with 
our mission “to protect and serve the public, prevent crime, and provide 
professional law enforcement services to our community.” 
 
The Patrol Division is comprised of one (1) Lieutenant, six (6) Sergeants and twenty-eight (28) Patrol Officers. 
Patrol services are organized into three (3) shifts: Midnight, Day and Evening, with a varying number of 
officers assigned to each shift based on the time of year, level of activity and budgetary guidelines. Each shift 
has two (2) Sergeants assigned with differing days off to ensure consistent supervision at all times. The town 
is delineated into three (3) separate patrol zones to ensure adequate coverage for all areas of town. Zones A 
and C consist primarily of residential neighborhoods, small commercial developments, parks, beaches and 
schools. Zone B houses the town’s largest retail developments and a youth facility with high call volume. 
 
During the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the police department handled 30,959 calls for service, representing an 8.97 
increase over the previous year. Patrol services deals with a wide variety of calls, ranging from criminal 
investigations and civil disputes to assisting people who need various services such as medical, psychological, 
housing assistance and/or financial assistance.  
 
This fiscal year the department installed two new stationary LPR (license plate reader) “FLOCK” cameras in 
town (to supplement the existing two cameras) which assisted the Patrol Division with numerous investigations 
to include stolen car recoveries, the location of missing persons and the location of wanted felons.  
 
Patrol Lieutenant 
Patrick Flanagan 
*Most uses of force by an officer require the completion of a State of Connecticut/ Police Officers Standards and 
Training-C Use of Force report, in addition to a narrative report from every officer involved. All uses of force are first 
reviewed by the on-duty supervisor for their determination if the use of force was justified and within policy. The report 
is then forwarded to a Use of Force committee, which consists of Use of Force instructors, Supervisors and select 
officers who are certified and/or knowledgeable in the various methods of force, including firearms, defensive tactics, 
and less lethal force options. The Use of Force committee reviews the Use of Force and all associated reports, videos
and additional evidence, making a determination of whether or not the use of force was within policy and if it is required 
to be sent to the State. The Use of Force incident is then forwarded to a Lieutenant for review to determine if it was 
justified. Any use of force that is deemed not justified and/or not within policy is forwarded to the Chief of Police for 
review. The Chief of Police receives all notifications for use of force incidents immediately upon entry into our computer 
systems and can review any of them at any time. 

 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
Several of the patrol vehicles are also equipped with LPR cameras which are capable of scanning license plates 
while in motion or in a stationary position.  These patrol vehicles are often utilized at DUI check points and 
also while on routine patrol. 
 
In addition to these duties, officers perform security checks of businesses and residences as well as town 
buildings/properties, conduct security walk-throughs of the public schools and one private school, locate 
wanted persons and enforce traffic offenses including impaired driving investigations. They also assist the 
public with other non-criminal situations such as missing persons, juvenile runaways and have the ability to 
deploy Naloxone to combat opiate related overdoses and deaths. 
 
The Town of Waterford has numerous wooded areas and is also a shoreline community with various bodies of 
water.  The department must use specialized equipment to navigate these various topographies. The presence 
of a large number of retail establishments along with a nuclear power facility, a racetrack, two interstate 
highways, a railway system, a town beach and State parks combine to keep Waterford Police officers busy 
throughout their shifts. All of these areas are patrolled with 20 marked and unmarked patrol vehicles equipped 
with Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), 4 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), 1 regional marine patrol boat, 1 jet ski, 
5 bicycles, 1 drone (flown by certified drone pilots), and a mobile command vehicle. Years ago, the department 
obtained a Humvee type vehicle through the military surplus program, which it uses for community events and 
storm responses. Patrol services continues to outfit its patrol vehicles with a “black and white” color scheme 
to reflect a more traditional police service while capturing the essence of community policing.  
 
Patrol services works cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies and non-
profit groups including Senior Services, Emergency Management, Waterford Youth and Family Services, 
Recreation and Parks, the Department of Children and Families, the Homeless Hospitality Center, and Safe 
Futures (which provides domestic violence wrap-around services). These types of partnerships as well as 
continued joint regional teams (such as the SECT regional marine patrol and Southeastern Emergency 
Response Team) have allowed reduced individual department costs through the sharing of resources. 
 
MARINE PATROL 
 
The Waterford Police Department Marine Division continues to partner with the 
East Lyme Police Department to operate a regional marine patrol vessel. Both 
towns share responsibility with staffing, maintenance and fuel costs. The 
Southeast Regional Marine Patrol vessel patrols the navigable waters of both 
communities to include the Niantic River, Niantic Bay, Long Island Sound, 
Fishers Island Sound and the Thames River. 
 
The Southeast Regional Marine Patrol is available for service calls year-round 
and is staffed by each department separately with a Captain and Crewmember on 
various weekdays, weekends and holidays from late May thru September.  
 
Sergeant Michael Firmin and Detective Leigh Bonkowski share the responsibility 
of ongoing vessel and engine maintenance and repair.  
 
During the 2024/2025 fiscal year: 
A capital improvement project for electronics upgrades, interior decking, 
decal replacement and bottom paint maintenance was approved by both 
towns. 
 
 
Sergeant 
 Michael Firmin 
Detective  
Leigh Bonkowski 

 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boat Captains Lieutenant Flanagan, Sergeant Farrior, Sergeant 
Firmin, Detective Bonkowski and Detective Carroll attended a 
Raymarine Electronics training course held at Stonington PD.   
  
Maritime security was provided for the East Lyme Day Fireworks, 
the Niantic Bay Triathlon, and the Maritime Heritage Festival. Patrols 
of the Millstone Nuclear Power Station and its security zone continue 
to be checked during underway patrols.  
 
Notable assists include responses to; a fleeing domestic suspect in the 
Thames Rivers, multi-day search efforts following a fatal boating 
accident in the Connecticut River, support to the Stonington Police 
Department for a boat parade in the Mystic River and an overturned 
kayaker near Two Tree Channel.  
 
Speed and wake violations are addressed when observed in the 
Niantic River and complaints forwarded through the Waterford 
Harbormaster are investigated.  
 
Officers educate kayakers regarding the importance of labeling their kayaks to prevent unnecessarily search 
and rescue responses and provided “If Found Stickers.”  
 
Officer McComic attended a CT Safe Boating course to obtain his boating certificate.  
 
Sergeant Firmin and Detective Bonkowski held classroom and underway training for crewmembers Detective 
O’Connell, Officer Rogers, Officer Devine, Officer Donovan, Officer McComic, Officer Reed, and Officer 
Gorman.  
 
The Waterford Police Department continues to be the host site of monthly meetings for the New London 
Marine Group Region 4, which is attended by Sergeant Firmin and Detective Bonkowski. Their focus is upon 
the preparedness and collaboration of multiple private, local, state and federal agencies for the safety and 
security of the maritime environment in the areas of Long Island Sound and the Port of New London. The 
group obtained its own portable radios that are used on the state radio system for better communication between 
members during the groups’ activations.  
 
  
K9 UNIT 
 
The 2024/2025 fiscal year was once again a successful year for the Waterford 
Police Department’s K9 Unit. K9 Ozzy (a five -Year-old Belgian Malinois) and 
Officer Nicholas Genung, are a dual purpose team trained in patrol work and 
narcotics detection. Throughout the 2024/2025 fiscal year, K9 Ozzy and Officer 
Nicholas Genung have tracked and located individuals including criminal suspects, 
emotionally disturbed persons and missing persons. They have also had several 
narcotics finds resulting in arrests (not only in the Town of Waterford, but also for 
surrounding agencies on mutual aid requests).  
 
 
 
 
K9 Officer  
Nicholas Genung 

10 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On August 1, 2024, the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) requested a K9 to search the wood line alongside 
RTE 184 in Groton, CT after an individual they were attempting to take into custody threw items into the 
woods while they pursued him on foot.  The VCTF investigators advised they observed a glass pipe used for 
smoking “crack” cocaine just prior to the wood line where the suspect threw the rest of the items.  K9 Ozzy 
was deployed in the area and pulled down the embankment.  K9 Ozzy focused on one small section of bushes 
and Officer Genung observed a small green plastic container, which he immediately recognized as a container 
used to store powdered narcotics in the leaves underneath a bush that tested positive for the presence of cocaine. 
The individual was taken into custody on an arrest warrant and narcotics charges.  
 
On February 24, 2025, Officer Rogers stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation on RTE 32 and observed a 
cut corner of a plastic bag by the operator's foot which Officer Rogers recognized to be consistent with drug 
packaging material.  Officer Rogers then requested Officer Genung respond to the scene with K9 Ozzy.   K9 
Ozzy was deployed for an open air sniff and showed alert behavior on the open driver's window by trying to 
climb in while pointing his head down toward the door pockets.  A subsequent hand search yielded a large 
crack cocaine rock in the driver's door pocket, several crack pipes, and numerous flakes of “crack” cocaine 
throughout the vehicle.  As a result of the search, all three (3) occupants were arrested on drug charges. 
 
K9 Tico (a three-year old Belgian Malinois) and Officer Nicolas Surdo are also a 
dual purpose team trained in both narcotics detection and patrol work, which 
includes building searches, area searches, evidence recovery, tracking and criminal 
apprehension. Throughout the 2024/2025 fiscal year, K9 Tico and Officer Nicolas 
Surdo have conducted numerous motor vehicle narcotic searches, tracking of both 
violent and non-violent subjects and building searches. K9 Tico and Officer Surdo 
have also responded to neighboring agencies for mutual aid requests. 
 
On November 12, 2024, Officer Surdo was on patrol and located a suspicious 
vehicle parked in the side lot near the wood line of the Regal Cinemas. Upon speaking with the occupants, it 
was determined the female had an arrest warrant and was subsequently arrested. The male occupant was 
removed from the vehicle and K9 Tico was deployed for an open air sniff of the exterior of the vehicle. K9 
Tico showed alert behavior underneath the right passenger side door area in a pile of leaves. A subsequent 
search by hand revealed a glass smoking pipe known to be used to smoke narcotics.  A hand search was 
conducted of the interior of the vehicle rendering no measureable amounts of narcotics, but two more glass 
smoking pipes were located. The female was searched at the police department, she was found to be in 
possession of "crack" cocaine and was charged accordingly.  
 
On June 11, 2025 Officer Surdo responded to Scotch Cap Road in the area of Broad View Court to assist 
Officer Reed on a motor vehicle stop.  During the stop, bottles of Methadone were observed in plain view and 
upon further discussion with an occupant, Officer Barrows located a white, rock like substance, believed to be 
“crack” cocaine. K9 Tico was deployed for an open air sniff of the exterior of the vehicle. K9 Tico showed 
alert behavior on the front left (driver’s) side of the vehicle.  K9 Tico was placed inside the vehicle where he 
exhibited similar behavior under the front left driver’s seat. A subsequent hand search was conducted where 
approximately 155 grams of “crack” cocaine and powdered cocaine was located under the front right passenger 
seat.  The two (2) occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody on drug charges.  
 
The K9 units continue to provide support to Patrol Services and Investigative Services and were used in a 
variety of capacities throughout the fiscal year. These uses include various searches for missing 
persons/suspects, locating stolen items, article searches, conducting narcotics searches and apprehending 
wanted suspects.  
 
K9 Officer  
Nicolas Surdo 

11 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
 
 
 
The K9 units also provide a high level of officer safety by searching buildings and areas where criminals posing 
a high risk of danger may be hiding. 
 
In order to keep up on their required training and skills, both teams (Officer Nicolas Surdo/K9 Tico and Officer 
Nicholas Genung/K9 Ozzy) train twice a month (16 hours) with the southeastern Connecticut regional K9 
group which consists of teams from several local police departments. The teams benefit from working with the 
regional group as they are able to train at numerous facilities and locations, exposing the K9’s to a variety of 
environmental situations. 
  
Both K9 teams are certified by NAPWDA and CPWDA in patrol and narcotics (Dual Purpose Police K9’s) 
and maintain these certifications with annual recertification tests.  
 
The K9 teams continued their annual routine by attending Waterford High School’s criminal justice class for 
a two-part demonstration (one part is a practical demonstration and the other part is done in the classroom).  
They also participate in the Waterford Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy. The teams also take part 
in the Camp Harkness Fall Festival, the Town of Waterford Harvest Festival, and the Youth Promise education 
program sponsored by the Waterford Youth and Family Services Bureau. This event, which is highly 
anticipated by the students at our elementary schools, is also a highlight for the K9 officers as they enjoy 
interacting with our youth and showcasing the talents of our dogs. 
 
 
 
K9 Usages: 
 
Narcotics Searches: 33 
 
Person Tracks: 11 
 
Article/Evidence Recovery: 7 
 
Area Searches: 7 
 
Building Searches: 2 
 
Emergency Response Team 
Deployments:  0 
 
Community Service Events: 15 
 
Bites:  0 
 
Total Usages: 75 
 
             
 
 
 

12 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
 
 SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS 
Youth Division Complaints:  42 
School Events:  45 
School Drills:  45 
Home Visits:  19 
Youth Arrests:  4 
The School Resource Officers (SRO) are present in the school system all year with 
an officer assigned full time to the Waterford High School (SRO Norman 
Malbaurn), The Clark Lane Middle School (SRO Dan Lane) and the three 
Elementary Schools, Great Neck, Oswegatchie and Quaker Hill (SRO Robert 
Winters). Additionally, Armed Security Officers Richard Morgan and Mike 
Masucci are assigned to the Elementary Schools. The three School Resource 
Officers also cover the Town of Waterford’s magnet school (The Friendship 
School) and the Waterford Country School.  
One of their main goals is to enhance school and student life by building positive 
relationships with the students and staff. They will attempt to attend, on duty and 
off duty, after school functions and events.  This would include, but is not limited 
to, home and away sporting events, school club events, band concerts, drama 
productions and open houses. 
The SROs are responsible for school-based investigations, coordinating school 
based education programs (i.e. Youth Promise, Freshman Seminars and Health 
Class Seminars), and community outreach. They are responsible for working in 
cooperation with Waterford’s Juvenile Review Board and reviewing all juvenile 
arrests that may not have to enter the juvenile court system. They also coordinate 
with the Department of Children and Families as well as Waterford Youth and 
Family Services, which allows the SROs to develop and deliver mentoring 
programs and diversionary options for all youthful offenders. 
The officers address school security concerns to include the coordination and 
monitoring of lockdown drills, fire drills, shelter-in-place planning and 
evacuation drills. They have attended and presented at several school safety 
workshops and symposiums. They also assist in annual school vulnerability 
assessments to strengthen school safety and work cooperatively with the school 
system to implement any necessary changes. 
All juvenile cases that the Waterford Police Department investigates are 
forwarded to the three SROs for review. Once the review is complete, these 
officers process the case reports for their final destination, to include juvenile 
court, diversionary programs and the records division for retention.  
During the summer months, when school is not in session, these officers return to the Patrol Division, but 
remain in contact with many students, families and Board of Education staff. 
School Resource 
Officer Daniel Lane 
School Resource 
Officer Norman 
Malbaurn 
School Resource 
Officer Robert 
Winters 

13 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
TRAFFIC UNIT 
 
The Waterford Police Department’s Traffic Unit plays a vital role in ensuring 
public safety through traffic enforcement, education, and collaboration with town 
departments. The unit consists of three officers: Officer Mark Devine, Officer 
David Diogo, and Officer Andrew Reed. Officer Diogo joined the unit in August 
2024, followed by Officer Reed in December 2024, adding valuable support to the 
team. 
 
Enforcement Activity: Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Traffic Unit 
conducted a total of 3,533 traffic stops, accounting for over 48% of all stops made 
by the department during that period. Enforcement priorities are determined based 
on citizen complaints, feedback from fellow officers and speed data collected 
through traffic monitoring devices, including speed feedback signs. This data-
driven approach allows officers to focus efforts on areas of greatest concern and 
impact. 
 
Traffic Management & Operational Duties: Beyond enforcement, the unit 
manages a wide range of traffic-related responsibilities in the Town of Waterford, 
including reviewing and issuing highway use permits, addressing line-of-sight and 
other roadway safety concerns, processing sign change requests, conducting speed 
limit reviews and collecting and analyzing speed data. 
 
The unit works in close partnership with other town entities, including the 
Department of Public Works, Zoning Enforcement and other municipal 
departments, to resolve infrastructure and regulatory concerns. 
 
Community Engagement & Safety Initiatives: The Traffic Unit continues to be 
active in community outreach and non-enforcement activities. Highlights from the 
past year include successfully securing a speed limit reduction on Rope Ferry 
Road, from 35 mph to 30 mph between Route 1 and North Road, delivering traffic 
safety presentations to students at Waterford High School, participating in senior 
services programming, WPD Citizens Police Academy and deploying traffic message boards in key areas to 
promote safety and awareness of traffic laws. 
 
Speed Feedback Technology: Over the past year, the unit deployed 
three battery-powered and two solar-powered speed feedback signs 
throughout the town. These devices have been critical tools in both 
enforcement strategy and public education. Additionally, the unit 
recently acquired two more speed feedback signs—at no cost—from 
UConn's T2 (Technology Transfer) Center, enhancing the unit’s data 
collection and traffic-calming capabilities. 
 
Conclusion: The Traffic Services Unit continues to serve as a 
cornerstone of the Waterford Police Department’s efforts to promote 
road safety, educate the public, and respond to community concerns. 
With a blend of proactive enforcement, strategic technology use, and 
community involvement, the unit remains committed to improving the 
quality of life for all who live, work, and travel in Waterford. 
 
 
Traffic Officer 
Mark Devine 
Traffic Officer 
David Diogo 
Traffic Officer 
Andrew Reed 

14 “In The Community Interest” 
 
INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES 
 
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Investigative Service Division was comprised of 
three (3) Detectives, an Investigator and a Secretary. The Court/Evidence Officer 
as well as the Community Engagement Officer, along with K9 Hodges, also report 
to the Investigative Services Division. 
 
The Division is supervised by Lieutenant Nicole VanOverloop and Detective 
Sergeant Richard Avdevich.  
 
The Investigative Services Division is responsible for investigating major criminal 
incidents within the Town of Waterford, along with state and national cases that 
have ties back to Waterford. The Division routinely works with other agencies to investigate cases that have 
crossed jurisdictional boundaries. The Division conducts necessary background checks for pistol permit 
applications as well as conducts weapons compliance investigations on persons prohibited from possessing 
firearms, and performs address compliance checks on sexual offenders and persons on the Deadly Weapons 
Offender Registry. 
 
Investigative Services also conducts background investigations for any person or organization that conducts 
door-to-door sales of goods or services within the Town’s borders. Once vetted, those who have passed the 
process are issued permits to show residents that these vendors are within compliance of the Town Ordinance.  
 
The Investigative Services Division investigated multiple crimes during the fiscal year. These crimes included 
complaints of frequent drug activity from neighbors coming from residences. In one case, Division members 
received information of drug activity coming from a residence. After a month’s long investigation, 
Investigative Services conducted a search warrant on the residence.  As a result of the search warrant, illegal 
drugs as well as money and related materials were seized.   A male resident of the home was arrested for 
distributing and possessing the illegal drugs along with a female companion.  The male was evicted by the 
state from the residence the next day. The Investigative Service Division also conducted numerous sexual 
assault investigations.  Three of the sexual assault investigations resulted in arrests with charges of Sexual 
Assault in the 2nd Degree, Risk of Injury to a Minor as well as Importing Child Pornography. Other cases of 
interest involved Investigative Services members solving a retail burglary after DNA in the form of blood was 
left at the scene, later receiving a positive identifications using rapid DNA and our Flock camera system. 
 
Additionally the Investigative Services had the opportunity to work with a national podcast entitled “The 
Deck” on a cold case homicide from 2012.  The episode aired in March 2025. 
 
Case Numbers Assigned to Investigative Services:  
247 
Arrests:  
 
 
 
 
 
14 
Burglaries (Residential and Commercial):  
 
7 
Search Warrants:  
 
 
 
 
17 
Unattended Death Investigations:  
 
 
14 
Sexual Assaults:  
 
 
 
 
14 
Pistol Permits / Background Checks: 
 
 
160 
Robberies: 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
Drug Investigations: 
 
 
 
 
8 
Weapons Compliance: 
 
 
 
 
9 
Investigations 
Lieutenant 
Nicole VanOverloop 

15 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
The Investigative Services Division is also responsible for completing and submitting annual reports to State 
and Federal agencies for statistical purposes and related to criminal procedure.  These reports include sexual 
assault investigations, use of Ex-parte Orders for internet and cellular records, overdose related deaths and 
federal asset forfeiture accountability. 
 
 
Southeastern Emergency Response Team (SERT):  
During this fiscal year the Special Response 
Team (SRT) was changed to the Southeastern 
Emergency Response Team (SERT). The 
Waterford Police Department continued to 
advance the teams abilities with the purchase of 
additional gas masks and filters. Additionally 
the Law Enforcement Council awarded $4000 
to the team for ballistic shields. The SERT 
Team continues to have an MOU with the 
Ledyard, Montville, East Lyme and Groton 
City Police Departments. Waterford’s team 
consists of six (6) members with an additional 
three (3) highly trained negotiators. The team 
trains together monthly and has added 
additional training hours per month. Leadership 
within the SERT changed during the 2024-2025 
fiscal year with some members stepping down 
and others taking over the leadership roles. The Police Chiefs of the departments continue to meet on a 
regular basis for the benefit of the team. The SERT responds to calls such as high-risk warrants, barricaded 
subjects, instances needing large perimeters and any other events deemed appropriate. 
 
COURT / EVIDENCE 
 
As Officer First Class Gilbert Maffeo retired in June after 25 years of service, 
Officer Peter Barrows was assigned as the new WPD Court and Evidence Officer. 
For the past six years, Officer Maffeo built an excellent rapport and partnership 
between the court, forensic lab and firearms units and Officer Barrows strives to 
not only keep, but continue to improve on these relationships. Since the transition, 
Investigator Zaldivar has been assigned as the new Assistant Court and Evidence 
Officer. 
 
At the end of last fiscal year, the WPD transitioned to a new records management 
system in NexGen. Due to this change, in April of this year the WPD became the 
first department working with GA10 to submit all court paperwork electronically 
as we work towards a true “paperless system”. This has obviously been a big 
systematic change with the courts state-wide and the WPD was chosen by GA10 
due to our track record in being considered as the “standard” in how police departments and the courthouses 
should work with each other. The WPD will continue to work closely with not only GA10, but also with 
NexGen and the Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS) as we aim to fully commit to a paperless 
system in 2026. 
 
 
 
Court/Evidence 
Officer  
Peter Barrows 

16 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
Since taking over, Officer Barrows has primarily focused 
on auditing each evidentiary storage compartment while re-
organizing and labeling the evidence processing and storage 
rooms. Officer Barrows also has created and posted 
guidelines on preferred practices on how each piece of 
evidence should be packaged, labeled and stored. 
 
During this fiscal year, five hundred eleven (511) items 
were taken into evidence while three hundred seventy seven 
(377) items were properly disposed of. A big focus this past 
year was placed on clearing the impound lot of vehicles that 
could either be returned to their owners or turned over to 
the Examiner of Seized Property. After collaborating with 
both GA10 and the Examiner of Seized Property, six (6) 
vehicles were able to be cleared from the lot. Throughout the year, eleven (11) trips were made to the lab, two 
(2) drugs burns were completed and three (3) firearms disposals were completed during the last year. 
 
ADMINISTRATION 
 
The Administrative Services section of the Police Department is led by Lieutenant 
David Ferland and assisted by Administrative Sergeant Michael Fedor. 
Administrative Services encompasses the Records, Policy, Scheduling, 
Community Service Officers, Chaplains, Grants and Training functions of the 
Waterford Police Department.  
 
Records Department:  
The Waterford Police Department Records Division is tasked with maintaining all 
records for the Police Department, along with numerous requests for services, 
which are listed below.  They are often the first point of contact for those entering 
the police department and provide service with empathy, efficiency and integrity, 
to align with the standards the police department diligently upholds. The Waterford Police Department Records 
Division is staffed by, Joyce Brown, Valerie Clark and Ashley Kuvent. Joyce Brown retired in June 2025 after 
28 years of dedicated service to the Town of Waterford. A process began to hire her replacement but the nearly 
3 decades of dedicated service and institutional knowledge will be missed. 
 
Highlights: 
The implementation of electronic ticketing and motor vehicle accident entries with our new Report 
Management System (Nexgen) has almost eliminated the need for records personnel to enter that data. The 
reduction of this responsibility has been quickly replaced with significant increases in other responsibilities, 
such as redaction of Body Camera footage. 
 
Records personnel attend periodic training to stay current with FOIA laws applicable to law enforcement, as 
well as best practices for report management. 
 
Records personnel have dedicated a significant amount of time updating, correcting, modifying and “cleaning 
up” data in our Records Management System (RMS). These efforts provide officers with the best and most 
accurate information when conducting investigations and completing reports.  
 
 
 Administrative 
Lieutenant 
David Ferland 

17 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
 
On multiple occasions, records personnel have identified individuals having active arrest warrants requesting 
documents, coordinating with officers to have the subjects taken into custody. They frequently take the extra 
steps verifying information that may otherwise go unidentified with no interaction with sworn officers. 
 
Several significant FOIA requests from the media and civilians were received which required thorough 
research to ensure accuracy. With the increase in prevalence of body cameras, requests for footage has greatly 
increased. The time-consuming process of reviewing and redacting audio and video in compliance with FOIA 
laws has significantly influenced the workload of our Records staff. State laws only allow for minimum, if any 
charges, for requests. FOIA requests increased by 38% from the previous fiscal year. 
 
As the court system continues to work towards adjudicating the backlog of cases, which was significantly 
impacted during the pandemic, the Records Division has incurred a significant increase in the amount of case 
erasures and court abstracts. These tasks increased year over year by 25% and 58% respectively. 
 
 
The Records Department was responsible for the following transactions in fiscal year 2024/2025:  
 
 
 
 
Department Policies and Procedures: The Waterford Police Department gained Tier 3 Accreditation in 
March 2025, which completes the initial State accreditation requirement, in compliance with the police 
accountability law. This project was completed by Sergeant Michael Fedor, in his role as the Administrative 
Sergeant. The policies and procedures of the department are continually reviewed and updated to ensure 
compliance with changes in the law, model State policies and practices consistent with the ever-changing role 
of law enforcement. The 2025 calendar year brought the beginning of required biennial review and updating 
of all department policies. 
 
Schedule: The schedules of all 52 police officers, 5 full-time clerical staff, 14 CSOs and the custodian are the 
responsibility of the Administrative Services Division. This task involves not only ensuring the proper 
coverage of patrol, but also the coordination of trainings, overtime, personal time off, as well as coverage and 
representation at community events.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freedom of Information Act Requests/ Including Insurance Requests   
 
                            1,942    
DOC/Court/DCF requests 
 
 
 
                                                                         220 
Patrons assisted at lobby window  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  1,873 
Warrant Data Entry  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     412 
Background Checks                                                                                                                                      84 
Abstracts from Court                                                                                                                                4687 
Protective Order Entries                                                                                                                              360 
Phone Calls from Public                                                                                                                           2,170 
Case Erasures  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     3,538 
Court Requests  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        171 
Police Tasking  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        856 

18 “In The Community Interest” 
 
CHAPLAIN PROGRAM 
 
The Chaplin program is a non-denominational program 
consisting of four volunteers that are rooted in our community 
and rotate through one week on-call periods.  They meet monthly 
at the police department, with our Administrative Sergeant 
serving as a liaison, to determine their on-call schedule, discuss 
services they have provided and work towards developing 
additional ways they can assist the department and the 
community.  
 
The Chaplains undertake various tasks to assist our agency and 
the community during times of illness, injury, or death, with a 
primary function of assisting officers in the delivery of death notifications. Additionally, they provide 
funeral, wedding and other services and often maintain relationships with community members they assist 
during a time of need.  The Chaplains continue to be a resource for members of the department through 
individual conversations and guidance, as well as a consistent presence in support of officer wellness 
initiatives. 
 
Chaplain Tyrus Rock was brought on this year to fill the vacancy created by a chaplain’s retirement last year. 
Along with our other Chaplains; Joe Parise, Chuck Tyree and Benjamin Sheldon, they can be frequently seen 
assisting the agency at community events such as the Tip-A-Cop, Wal-Mart Food, Toy, and Clothing Drive, 
Harvest Fest and Shop-With-A- Cop, providing holiday presents for families in need. They have organized 
breakfast and cookouts for officers as they continue to strive to support officer wellness initiatives.  
 
Recognizing the continued value that the Chaplains provide, the department is able to provide them with an 
office at the department. This has allowed them to hold office hours to increase their presence around 
department members and to meet with individuals in a more private setting within the building.  
 
TRAINING 
 
Training for the Waterford Police Department is overseen by Lieutenant Ferland 
and is managed by Officer Megan Sylvestre. The training department is a vital part 
of the daily operations of the police department. Training begins at the start of an 
officer’s career and plays a major role to the end of that career. The Training 
Officer is responsible for recruitment, the selection process, initial academy 
training and a 400-hour Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP), in 
addition to in-service training and recertification for every officer.  
 
Recruitment:  
The Waterford Police Department continues to recruit only those who meet the 
standards set forth by the Law Enforcement Council (LEC), the Police Officers and Standards Training Council 
(POSTC) and the Waterford Police Department. The Waterford Police Department continues its efforts in 
recruitment by participating in outreach programs to include visiting collegiate institutions, attending the LEC 
testing dates to educate potential applicants about our agency and draw their interest to Waterford, hosting 
PATH programs, Internship programs and the CSO program.  
 
 
 
 
Training Officer 
Megan Sylvestre 

19 “In The Community Interest” 
 
 
Efforts to expand the department’s reach in recruiting this past year included holding an open house for 
interested applicants as well as making various social media posts about hiring.  
 
The Waterford Police Department also instituted a mentor program for new hire applicants.  In this program, 
current officers reach out to applicants to help them through the hiring process by answering any questions 
they may have. 
 
New Hires:  
Officer Julie Jordan was hired as a lateral/certified police officer after serving several years with the Plainfield 
Police Department in Connecticut. Her current certification allowed for an abbreviated field training process 
and an expedited timeframe to have her working patrol on her own.  
 
Officer Connor Abram and Officer Nicolette Maselli were hired as Officers and attended the third session of 
the Eastern Regional Police Academy held by Law Enforcement Council of Connecticut, of which the 
department is a member. This allowed Officer Abram and Officer Maselli to receive their training locally and 
learn from active police officers from the region, including several Waterford Police Officers.  
 
Officer Tyrone Mack was hired as a new Officer and attended the 386th session of the Police Officer Standards 
and Training Council Connecticut Police Academy.  This is a residential academy located in Meriden, 
Connecticut and most of their training is instructed mostly by the academy staff who are retired police officers 
from various police departments.  There are also other police officers and civilians who are experts in their 
fields that instruct some of the classes. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing Training:  
Training remains at the forefront of the Waterford Police Department and is critical for any successful agency. 
Our department believes that through training, in service or collegiate, officers will be better prepared to meet 
the needs of the community and have the knowledge and the resources available to them to assist in their 
decision-making at calls for service.  
 
Officers are still required to attend mandatory trainings annually as wel