Board of Police Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda

Waterford Town Hall Auditorium
9/8/2025 5:00 pm
Call to order and establish quorum:
Pledge of Allegiance:
Public input:
Acceptance of minutes: August 11, 2025 Regular Meeting
Correspondence:
a. Thank You letter from the East Lyme Police Department
b. Letter from Robert Brule, First Selectman
c. Email from the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT
Traffic Commission Review:
Chief's Report:
a.
b.
K9 Reports for August
Youth Report for August
Investigative Services Report for August
Training Report for August
Support Services Report for August
Patrol Report for August
Animal Control Report for August
Community Engagement Report for August

a. Review of FY 2024-2025 Annual Report Draft
b. E-Bike Discussion

MINUTES
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
August 11, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioner C. Gamble, Commissioner M. Gelinas, Commissioner J.
Dimmock, Commissioner R. Brule, Commissioner Sheridan
DEPARTMENT: _ Chief M. Balestracci, LT N. VanOverloop, LT P. Flanagan, Officer M.
Sylvestre, Officer A. Reed
CALL TO ORDER AND ESTABLISH A QUORUM:
Commissioner Gelinas called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. A
Quorum was established.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC INPUT:
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
accept the July 14, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes. Motion passed.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to
accept the July 22, 2025 Special Meeting minutes. Commissioners Brule and Sheridan
abstained. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Correspondence was reviewed.

July report was received.
b. Youth Reports for July
July report was received.
c. Investigative Services for July
July report was received.
d. Training Report for July
July report was received.
e. Support Services Report for July
July report was received.
f. Patrol Report for July
July report was received.
g. Animal Control Report for July
July report was received.
h. Community Engagement Report for July
July report was received.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Annual Report Draft was not voted on to allow more time for review.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Sheridan and seconded by Commissioner Dimmock to
enter into Executive Session, including Chief Balestracci, at 5:16 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:09 p.m. No votes or actions were taken while in
Executive Session.

Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Made by Commissioner Dimmock and seconded by Commissioner Sheridan to
adjourn the meeting at 6:09 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by:
Diane E. Driscoll
Recording Secretary

977 West Main Street, Niantic Connecticut
016857
CONNECTICUT
deeesirerery
Michael K. Macck
Chief of Police
08/11/2025
Chief Marc Balestracci
Waterford Police Department
41 Avery Lane
Waterford, CT 06385
Dear Chief Balestracci,
I want to extend my and the Town of East Lyme’s appreciation for the support of officers that
you had provided during our annual Celebrate East Lyme Day 2025. Your continued support in
providing assets such as your VMS sign, UTV, ground officers and Marine patrol officers helps
fill gaps where we fall short. We cannot safely provide protection for the vendors and spectators
without this assistance. Your Marine officers provide an essential function in keeping the
security zone in the bay free of vessels that may get too close to the fireworks launching point.
They responded to calls from the ground to help clear fisherman off the rocks and away from
the secure zone that the ground personnel could not get close to.
On 08/10/2025 Waterford Police Department again assisted us with the Hartford Marathon
Foundation’s, Niantic Bay Triathlon. This event brings in 550 teams of participants. The first leg
is the swim race. Waterford officers were tasked with a vital mission providing coverage as a
spotter vessel in the bay and were ready to assist with any struggling swimmers.
Without your assistance, we could not safely provide the necessary protection at these events.
As always, your officers were cordial and professional. A job well done.
Michael K. Macek
Chief of Police
us

August 15, 2025
Chief Marc Balestracci
Waterford Police Department
41 Avery Lane
Waterford, CT 06385
Subject: Review, Enforcement, and Legislative Action on E-Bike Use by Minors Under 18
Dear Chief Balestracci and Members of the Police Commission,
In recent months, my office has received multiple complaints about minors operating e-bikes at
dangerously high speeds, performing wheelies, tampering with or removing speed governors, tailgating
cars, and riding recklessly through neighborhoods and business areas. These behaviors are creating a
clear and present danger to the riders themselves, motorists, pedestrians, and the broader community.
As First Selectman, my foremost responsibility is to safeguard the lives and well-being of our
residents—especially our young people. I’m asking that the Police Chief and Police Commission
jointly review the current laws governing electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Connecticut, identify the
impediments to stronger local enforcement, and determine proactive steps to address this growing
public safety concern. ,
E-bikes have surged in popularity, but with that, popularity comes significant risk. Certain models can
reach speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour—comparable to vehicles traveling through our neighborhoods.
They are heavy, accelerate rapidly, and require advanced handling skills that most riders under 18 do
not possess.
The danger is heightened by the fact that e-bikes are virtually silent. Drivers, pedestrians, and other
cyclists may not hear or see them until it is too late. This invisibility makes collisions both more likely
and more severe. Aggressive riding behavior by a 14-year-old on an e-bike is not a matter of if they
will hurt themselves or someone else—it is a matter of when.
Currently, Connecticut classifies e-bikes in certain contexts as motorized vehicles, yet they often do
not require licensing, registration, or training. That loophole permits children as young as 12 or 13 to
legally operate a 70-pound motorized vehicle on public roads—without the safeguards, we apply to
other vehicles—making it a hazard to the rider and our community.

e Classification by Power & Design:
o E-bikes without pedals and with batteries over 750 watts, but under 3,500 watts,
will be classified as motor-driven cycles—requiring a valid driver’s license.
o E-bikes over 3,500 watts are treated as motor-driven vehicles, necessitating
registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.
e Youth Restrictions:
o Riders under 16 may only operate Class | or Class 2 e-bikes, limited to 20 mph.
o Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph, pedal-assist) are restricted to riders aged 16 and
older.
o E-bikes exceeding 28 mph or power limits will be legally treated as motor vehicles,
requiring licensing and registration.
These changes represent a meaningful step toward closing loopholes and aligning regulations with
evolving technology—but only high-powered models and specific youth age groups.
In light of these changes, I respectfully request that the Police Commission and the Waterford
Police Department review these current changes to the law and discuss a path forward.
The rising trend in youth-related e-bike incidents—and the insufficiency of current laws to curb
them—demands immediate, comprehensive action. I look forward to your input and
recommendations so we can proactively discuss and ultimately protect our children and our
community. ;
Sincerely,
Robert J. Brule
First Selectman
Town of Waterford

From: Andrea Manning <amanning@chamberect.com>
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2025 9:52 AM
To: Marc Balestracci <mbalestracci@waterfordct.org>
Subject: Invitation to Join the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Dear Chief Balestracci and Members of the Waterford Police Department,
On behalf of Tony Sheridan and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, | would like to extend a
warm invitation to the Waterford Police Department to become a member of our Chamber.
As the region’s largest, most diverse business association, the Chamber brings together municipalities,
nonprofits, small businesses, and major employers to strengthen Eastern Connecticut’s economic vitality. By
joining, the Waterford Police Department will have opportunities to:
e Connect with community and business leaders through networking events and forums.
© Engage in regional initiatives that support public safety, economic development, and quality of life.
° Access resources, training, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen partnerships across the
region.
e Showcase your ongoing commitment to the well-being of our communities.
Membership for municipalities and departments is available at an annual dues rate of $300.
For your convenience, I’ve attached the membership application, and you may also apply directly online at:
ChamberECT Member Application. More details about membership can be found here:
ChamberECT.com/membership.
We would be honored to welcome the Waterford Police Department into our Chamber family and look
forward to the opportunity to work more closely together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any
questions — | would be glad to assist.
With appreciation,
Andrea Manning


- Line of sight issue at post office was taken care of by the homeowner. The bushes were trimmed back to
allow for a reasonable sight distance.
DOT RELATED ISSUES.
- Nothing current or pressing
PARKING COMPLAINTS:
- No ongoing parking complaints at this time.
ENFORCEMENT RELATED COMPLAINTS:
- Complaint of people not stopping at crosswalks to allow people to cross, Route 156 and Route 1 crosswalks,
at crosswalks without traffic lights. Crosswalk signs have been put in the roadway at seven crosswalks in the
area. Signs are in the crosswalk on the yellow line to draw more attention. Pedestrian traffic has been
sporadic in these areas making the observation of violations difficult.
REQUESTS FOR SIGNS OR CHANGE OF ROADWAY FEATURES:
- No signs requests or changes of roadway features are pending at this time.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- No events needing highway use permits for this month.
UPCOMING ROAD CONSTRUCTION WITH CLOSURE:
Public Works has been working on catch basins along Old Norwich Road, before the repaving of Old Norwich
Road begins in September.
EQUIPMENT:
New equipment received;
- Four (4) roll up “Road Closed” signs
- Seven (7) in street crosswalk signs
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT: 191 Total Traffic Stops
*Officer Rogers #82 assigned to traffic unit for month of August
Officer Devine #88 Reed #93 Rogers #82 Total
Infractions 1 66 42 109
warnings 0 27 50 77
misdemeanor 0 3 2 5

Niantic River Road southbound near Old
109514 |
Niantic River Road.
9955,
August 2025
30 mph zone
8960
7964
6969
5973
4978
3982
2987
1991
996
16101ae Great Neck Road southbound in front of
asia Great Neck School.
11710
August 2025
25 mph Zone
10246
8782
7319
, 5855
4391
2927
1464

Bloomingdale Road northbound
North of Millers Pond Road
0% 0% |
u25mphandless Speed vehicle
26-30 mph 25 mph and less 1272
|
3131-35 mph 26-30 mph 2623
» 36-40 mph 31-35 mph 1793 |
36-40 mph 270
41-45 mph
, : 41-45 mph 20
SPEED] m1 46-50 mp! ,
LIMIT 46-50 mph 5
25
Date Range: August 26, 2025 to September 1, 2025
Speed Limit: 40 mph
| Boston Post Road eastbound
West of Pamela Way
Speed Vehicles
40 mph and below 13072
41-45 mph 12808 = 40 mph and below |
aes mah as 41-45 mph |
51-55 mph 658 |
46-50 mph |
56-60 mph 122
61-65 mph 29 ©5155 mph |
66+ mph 19 TM 56-60 mph
_ 61-65 mph ]
66+ mph |

Rope Ferry Road (Route 156)
eastbound, East of Great Neck
30 mph and under 7612
Road 31-25 mph 1828
36-40 mph 461
ALAS mph | 88
mTM30mphandunder = 46-50 mph
mm 31-25 mph BLS mph
TM36-40 mph ; 56-60 mph
© 41-45 mph
m 46-50 mph
m 51-55 mph :
56-60 mph |

K-9 Ozzy
Monthly Uses: 4
2025 Uses: 21
K-9 Tico
Monthly Uses: 4
2025 Uses: 25
K-9 Usage
Ozzy
» K9 Ozzy and Officer Genung assisted two local agencies in
open air sniffs of motor vehicles for narcotics.
» K9 Ozzy and Officer Genung assisted the Stonington Police
Department searching for an emotionally disturbed individual.
The team also assisted the New London Police Department in
the search of a suspect that had escaped the custody of bail
enforcement agents from Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.
Tico
¢ K9 Tico and Officer Surdo assisted in an open air sniff of a
motor vehicle involved in an accident where the operator was
taken into custody for operating a motor vehicle under the in-
fluence of drugs. K9 Tico displayed alert behavior on the ve-
hicle. A hand search yielded fentanyl and cocaine.
¢ K9 Tico and Officer Surdo assisted the New London Police
Department in the search of a suspect that had escaped the
custody of bail enforcement agents from Lawrence and Me-
morial Hospital. The team also assisted the Groton City Po-
lice Department in the search of a missing juvenile.
Monthly Training
+ Monthly K-9 training was conducted on 8/12/25 and 8/26/25 in obedience,
tracking, article search, building search, area search, narcotics detections, and
apprehension work.

¢ August 27, 2025 was the first day back to school for the
Waterford School District. The SROs and ASOs were
busy with back to school preparation and back to school
activities in the last week of August.
¢ On August 1, 2025 SRO Lane and Off. Fredericks accom- J &
panied CLMS Principal Sachs teaching a graduate
school class at UCONN about School resource officers
and facility dogs.
¢ SRO Winters, SRO Malbaurn, and SRO Lane attended
the ice cream social (community event) at the Waterford
Public Library on August 21st.
¢ On August 25, 2025 all three SROs attended convocation
at Waterford High School.
¢ SROs attended the open house events at the
three elementary schools on August 25th
and August 26th.
¢ SRO Malbaurn has been working with
school administration to review video when
vape detectors (newly installed) alert.
¢ SRO Malbaurn, in collaboration with the
traffic unit, worked with the Friendship
School administration to handle traffic re-
lated issues at drop-off and pickup.
Month at a Glance
0— Home Visits |
0- CAD Report
1 0- Case Reports
Arrests - 4/ JRB Referrals — 4
SROs Lane, Malbaurn and Winters continue to meet and talk with students on a daily basis for school, personal, and
social related topics in an effort to develop lasting relationships b/w the department and the youth in our community.

In the month of August 2025 the Investigative Services Division worked or assisted with 28
investigations.
Current Active Investigations (27 Cases):
(These numbers do not include assist’s to the Patrol Division)
Homicide-1 Pistol Permits-6
Burglary-5 Background Checks-4
Robbery-1 Fraud—1
Crypto Scam—1 ID Theft—1
Larceny —2 Skimmer—1
Untimely-3 Sex Offender Registry Violation—1
Year to Date Statistical Report
Case Search Background Arrests Sex
h
Numbers Warrants Checks Assaults
69 20 12 7 10
Ex-Parte's Auto Theft Burglary Unattended Robbery
Deaths
0 0 5 8 1

Investigative Services was assigned three (3) background investigations for police officer candidates. These backgrounds
are in process.
Detective Bonkowski assisted The Law Enforcement Council with the first day of the Police Academy. We currently have
one(1) recruit assigned to the academy. Detective Bonkowski along with Sergeant Epps joined the cadre in getting the
recruits prepared for the start of the program.
Investigative Services were assigned as an undercover detail for the Waterford Week Parade.
Investigator Zaldivar along with Court Officer Barrows traveled to Essex County, New Jersey to retrieve a male subject
that this department held an extraditable warrant for. The male was being held for the charges of burglary and larceny of
dirt bikes from a residence. Besides the New Jersey and Waterford Police Departments having investigations into this
person also Newtown, CT held an active warrant. Members of the Newtown Police Department came to Waterford for
further assistance in their case.
The Waterford Police Department hosted the Quarterly Lethality Assessment Protocol meeting lead by the Connecticut
Coalition Against Domestic Violence. During this meeting officers, as well as members of CCADV, meet to discuss up
coming law changes and changing trends in domestic violence cases.
Investigative Services hosted this month’s Intelligence Meeting. This group meeting is held monthly in which surrounding
departments and divisions of law enforcement meet to share information to help solve ongoing investigations.
August 2025 Investigations:
A months long investigation into possible drug activity from a residence will be revisited in the fall as evidence of criminal
activity is not enough for further follow up at this time.
Investigative Services assisted patrol with a search warrant and an arrest warrant for a male subject that was reported to be
in possession of a firearm when not legally allowed to do so due to his felony status. Investigative Services assisted patrol
in executing the arrest warrant and later found the firearm during execution of the search warrant.
Detective O’Connell obtained an arrest warrant for a male subject that had reportedly evaded responsibility and drove
recklessly as the result of a motor vehicle accident. The subject was later arrested without issue.
Members of Investigative Services assisted the United States Coast Guard in locating a deceased male in Long island
Sound. The male was retrieved and transported back to the Mago Point area in the Regional Police Boat. Detective
Bonkowski was later assigned the investigation. This case is ongoing.
Detective Carroll was assigned an investigation resulting in the scamming of an elderly couple of approximately $40,500.
The adult daughter of the couple suspected her parents had been the victims of a scam and reported it to the Waterford
Police Department. This case is under further investigation.
Detective O’Connell was assigned a burglary of three (3) dirt bikes from a residence in the Pleasure Beach area. This case
is under further investigation.
Investigative Services was assigned the untimely death of a male from Miner Lane. This case is not suspicious in nature
and is ongoing.
Detective Bonkowski assisted the United States Treasury Department with a cellphone information retrieval. This was
done in part with the regional collaborative effort of three (3) local police departments assisting surrounding departments
with cellphone and computer extractions.

New Officer Updates
Hiring Process: The Waterford Police Department continues it’s efforts in
recruiting and hiring. Training has temporarily stopped with the new hiring process
as the candidates in the background process right now would bring us to full staff.
Recruit Status: Recruit Mack completed his thirtieth week at the Connecticut Po-
lice Academy at POST-C in Meriden, CT.
Recruit Holman started the Eastern Regional Police Academy on August 4th hosted
by the Law Enforcement Council of Connecticut and has since completed her fourth
week. This academy is expected to completed in February.

Officer Robinson went to the POST-C Academy in Meriden to assist with an
OC exposure day for Recruit Mack’s academy class Officer Robinson assisted
with role playing, decontamination, as well as various other hands on training
during the exposure.
Sergeant Epps and Detective Bonkowski attended the Eastern Regional Po-
lice Academy hosted by the Law Enforcement Council of Connecticut in Nor-
wich the first few days of the academy to assist with the CADRE days. This is
a time where the recruits are taught how to stop working as individual units
and start working together as a team. The recruits were instructed to do vari-
ous tasks that taught them discipline and brought them together as one unit.
Sergeant Nickerson went to the POST-C Academy in Meriden to assist with
Recruit Mack’s one-day low light firearms training . This training teaches the
recruits everything they need to know about shooting pistols in dark or low-
lit conditions. Officer Bushwack and Officer Jordan attended as well to com-
plete their low light teach back, which is the last step they need in order to
become certified firearms instructors for the pistol.
All personnel at the department were given a strip search refresher roll call
training. This training is a requirement per
our policy and requires that officers be re-
trained on our strip'search policy and the
steps to take.during a strip search.
Sergeant Caler attended the motor vehicle
stops practical skills day at the POST-C
Academy in Meriden. He assisted with help- ;
ing Recruit Mack learn and have hands on
experience with motor vehicle stops in a con-
trolled setting. Some of the topics discussed
were how to approach a vehicle safely, how
to issue various citations, how to get neces-
sary documents from the vehicle occupants, J
and how to stop a vehicle safely just to name
a few.

FO! Requests 144 « The CSOs covered 69 shifts during the
Waren 93 month, equating to 552 hours of shift cov-
erage.
Phone Calls
3 : « CSOs saw an increase in employment fin-
Walk in Assists
gerprints in August, which is typical for
Bacl d Check ae . .
be ses this time of year with Board of Ed hires.
Protective Orders
« The background was completed for Jenna
Officer Tasking Requests Hancock, who was hired to replace Joyce
Case Erasures Brown after her retirement. Ms. Hancock
DCF Requests will begin employment with the depart-
ment on 9/8/2025.
Court Requests
Abstracts
Video Requests
Reports Accepted
CSO Activity Fingerprints
Adult Arrests Pistol Permits
Juvenile Arrests Employment
Firearms Transfers Miscellaneous
Pistol Permits Issued Peddler/Precious Permits
Walk In Complaints Warrant Follow Ups

Department worked the Summer Concert Series which is
sponsored by Waterford Rec and Park at the town beach.
The department also participated in and provided support in
various capacities for the “Waterford Day” Parade which
was held on August 9, 2025.
the Waterford Day Pa-
rade. At right is the Wa-
terford Color Guard.
Regional Marine Patrol: Recovers Body
On August 26, 2025 the Waterford Emergency Communications
Center received a 91 | call at 1259 hours from a good Samaritan
who was sailing in the Long Island Sound approximately 2 miles
southwest of Millstone Point. The caller reported that while
sailing back to the Niantic Bay they encountered a body floating
face down. Members of the WPD, Waterford Ambulance
Service, and USCG responded to the area and commenced a
sector search. After approximately 15 minutes the body was
recovered and returned to Mago Point where the Medical
Examiners Office took custody of the deceased individual.
Total Service Calls
Case Numbers
Arrests
Juvenile Arrests
Larcenies
Arrest Warrants
Domestic Violence
Investigations
Traffic Crash
DUI Investigations
EDP/Welfare
Check
School Checks
Motor Vehicle
Written Warnings
Infractions
Verbal Warnings
Misdemeanor
Other
2389
134
53
4
37
12
8
57
63
5!
422
144
133
130
I
SELF INITIATED MOTOR VEHICLE ACTIVITY BY BADGE NUMBER
Off. Reed w/ 98 stops
Off. Rogers w/ 82 stops
Off. Arpin with 35 stops
Off. Donovan with 25 stops
35le 3 a4
"1 9 8
5 5 5 4 3 3 2 2 2020 4 4 1
93 82
bai SiS S17) 80 8B
09 «87 «94S 104s «83-s«*03'-—s«dt02—s—=iaH SBD, SHA SHH M105 TF 89
Badge Number

suspect had punched one of the victims 3 4 times on the right side of his/her
head. Off. Maselli was able to collect/seize video evidence of the incident. Upon
conducting a check of the area Off. Jordan located the suspect at a local gas sta-
tion. The suspect was taken into custody for Assault Third Degree, Disorderly
Conduct, and Violation of a Protective Order.
Suspicious Person: Leads to Drug Arrest
On August 2, 2025 Off. Colkos and Sgt. Fedor were on rou-
tine patrol when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the
parking lot of Core Plus Federal Credit Union. Upon run-
ning the vehicle’s registration they learned that the regis-
tered owner had an active PRAWN warrant. Upon making [Fn
ib 4
contact the subject was taken into custody. Officer on sce- Pe
1s
ne saw, in plain view, drug paraphernalia and probable cause A ie
was developed to search the vehicle. Located in the car
was a Clear plastic baggie containing crack cocaine as well
as drug paraphernalia. The suspect was taken into custody
for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Walk-in Complaint: Leads to Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant
On August 23, 2025 Off. Donovan took a walk-in domestic violence complaint in
the lobby of the WPD. Through his investigations an arrest warrant was obtained
for the suspect for Possession of Firearm by a Felon, Threatening in the Second
Degree, Disorderly Conduct, and Violation of a Protective Order. The suspect
was taken into custody and the search warrant was executed on August 24th at
1800 hours. The firearm used in the domestic violence incident was recovered.

¢ The ACOs participated in the annual Waterford
Day Parade.
ens LYME/WA TERFORD
¢ The ACO’s assisted the City of New London for a sual CONTROL
week when their only ACO was on vacation. The c
ACO’s cared for their animals in the shelter and
OSES aha hare gg Paice”
assisted with emergency calls.
¢ On 8/11/2025 the ACOs checked a 3 mile section ©
of train tracks after an Amtrak conductor report-
ed possibly striking a dog. The ACOs were unable to locate any dogs.
¢ On 8/12/2025 DEEP reported that a deceased deer found in Waterford tested positive
for rabies. There was no know contact between the deer and any humans or domestic
animals
¢ On 8/25/2025 2 cats were found aban-
doned in a carrier in the Crystal Mall East
parking lot. Waterford Lyme
Calls for Service 97 56
After Hour Call Outs 4 5
Tickets Issued al 0
Warnings Issued 0 0
‘Dog Bites 8 0
‘Animals Redeemed 6 6
Animals Adopted 8 i
Animals DOA 0 0
Euthanized OF il
Total Processed 14 7
Money Taken In $535 $470
[Donations $140 $470
"Speaking for those who have no voice"

Schools’ Teacher Orientation. Spoke about traffic stop safety at Rae s Driving School.
Attended Back to School Nights at Great Neck School, Oswegatchie School, and Quaker
Hill School. Visited multiple schools during the first week of school.
K-9 Officer Hodges: Attended the Waterford Town Hall Blood Drive. Held Read to Hodges
at the Waterford Library. Interacted with volunteers at East Lyme Emergency
Management’s Mock Disaster Incident. Visited New England Science & Sailing New
London Camp, Camp Hope, Rhode Island National Guard Camp, YMCA Camp Fuller,
Bloom BCS Camp, and the US Coast Guard Daycare. Participated in the Waterford Parade.
3 _
Internship: Conducted multiple interviews with Mitchell College & Central Connecticut
State University students to select the WPD Fall Intern. Jacob Molloy, a CCSU student, was
selected.
National Night Out: Participated in East Lyme Police’s event. Hodges interacted with
attendees and Waterford Police Vehicles were there for Touch A Truck.
Domestic Violence Follow-ups: Conducted 1 follow-up with a DV victim. Visited the Safe
Futures Work Shop Training about domestic incidents involving pets/animals. Visited Safe
Futures Camp Hope. Hosted Regional DV Meeting.
Officer Wellness: Organized a Wellness Day for Investigative Services, Support Staff, and
Administrative Staff. Visited the New London Superior Court and Groton Town Police
Department. Attended Police Chaplain Meeting.
Advance Services Programs: 1 new registrant added to the program.
‘ Interaction with Senior Services: Attended a Senior Luncheon.
Back to School Ice Cream with the SROs: Organized event where students could come
meet and talk to the Waterford Police School Resource Officers. Multiple Police Comfort
Dogs attended the event.
Rotary Club: Attended monthly meeting.
Special Olympics Efforts: Attended Over the Edge Event.

Waterford, Connecticut
ii:
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, “Jn the Community Interest.”
1 | “In The Community Interest”

p
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.
Chief of Police
Marc Balestracci
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.
a) | “In The Community Interest”

Waterford Police Department Personnel & Structure
Board of Police Commissioners
| Chief Marc Balestracci |
Investigations Lieutenant
Nicole VanOverloop
r
Detective Sergeant |
Richard Avdevich
. y,
f—— \
Detective Todd O’Connell
Detective Leigh Bonkowski
Detective Raymond Carroll
Investigator Taylor Zaldivar
NX /
}
Court/Evidence Officer
Peter Barrows
a }
( }
Task Force Officer
Unassigned
. rane
)
Community Engagement Officer
Eric Fredricks (k9 Hodges)
"i _/
‘Ofc. Edwards
Ofc. Girardi
Ofc. Rogers
Ofc. Robinson
Ofc. Krysztofiak Ofc. Colkos
Ofc. Surdo (K9) Ofc. McComic
Ofc. Genung(K9) Ofc. Ewing
Ofc. Rodriguez Ofc. Luce
Ofc. Bushwack Ofc. Winakor
Ofc. Donovan
Ofc. Boxley )
Ofc. Charron
Ofc. Gorman
Ofc. Jordan
Ofc. Abram
Ofc. Masselli
Ofc. Mack
Of. Holman
Ofc. Suplita
Ofc. Arpin
School Resource Officers
Daniel Lane (WHS)
Norman Malbaurn (CLMS)
Robert Winters (Elementary)———
Officer
Traffic Unit
Merk Devine Officer David Diogo
Officer Andrew Reed y,
Patrol Lieutenant Administrative Lieutenant }
Patrick Flanagan ‘ David Ferland
Patrol Sergeant Andrew Farrior ‘
Patrol Sergeant Matthew Fedor Administrative Sergeant
Patrol Sergeant Michael Firmin Michael Fedor
Patrol Sergeant Patrick Epps
Patrol Sergeant Jake Nickerson Training Officer
Patrol Sergeant Zachary Caler }
Officer Megan Sylvestre
\____
Office Coordinator Diane Driscoll
Secretary Jennifer Anderson
Accounts Receivable Valerie Clark
Data Technician Ashley Kuvent
Evening Secretary Joyce Brown
\ Custodian Allan Ostertag }
Community Service Officers \
CSO Ritchie CSO Bertrand
SO Mongeau CSO Brown
(CSO Zidkovski CSO Bullock
sO Hunt C0 Brown, D
cs0 Griswold CSO Minogue
CSO Silva CSO Robinson
CSO Chrzanowski SO Ortiz
3 | “In The Community Interest”

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 a Clark Lane residence, 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
4 | “In The Community Interest”

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
Chiefs 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”

Ethnicity
1K
(17.29%)
1
@Nn/A
@ HISPANIC
MIDDLE...
6K
(81.97%)
Nature of Stop
Equipment, Moving Violation. Investigation
0k G48)
1K (1128) 1K 15.83%)
@ VIOLATION, MOTO...
@ EQUIPMENT, MOT...
INVESTIGATION. C..
= 6K BT21%) 3K (28.68%) —~
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 519 427%
Domestic Violence 151 +32%
Assault 7 -66%
Drug Overdose 7 -36%
Impaired Driving 48 -T%
Missing Person 28 -16% (*)
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 7719 +1%
Stolen Cars 18 +28%
(*) = Significant decrease due to relocation of youth residential facility to nearby community.
Motor Vehicle Stop Statistics
Result of Stop —
Verbal. Warning. Infraction. Misdemeanor, Arrest
— 3K 024%)
WRITTEN WARNING
@ INFRACTION TICKET
VERBAL WARNING
@ MISDEMEANOR SUMMONS
UNIFORM ARREST REPORT
@NO DISPOSITION |
6 i “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
Patrol Lieutenant initiatives and enforcement activities in the Town of Waterford in accordance with
Patrick Flanagan 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-seven (27) 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.
| | “In The Community Interest”

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), | regional marine patrol boat, 1 jet ski,
5 bicycles, | 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 F amily 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, a tri-town crash investigation team
and the 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.
Sergeant
Michael Firmin 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:
Detective A capital improvement project for electronics upgrades, interior decking,
Leigh Bonkowski decal replacement and bottom paint maintenance was approved by both
towns.
8 | “In The Community Interest”

y
p
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.
Kx9 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
9 | “In The Community Interest”

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. C9 Tico and Officer Surdo
have also responded to neighboring agencies for mutual aid requests.
K9 Officer
Nicolas Surdo
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