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Branford Names Mulhern Next Chief of Police

On April 8 Branford's Police Commission named the town's next Chief of Police, Jonathan Mulhern, who has served as Branford's Deputy Chief of Police since July, 2018. 

What may look to be a quick decision by the commission is actually the result of a succession plan the commission began working toward in 2017, when it re-instituted the position of Deputy Chief in the department. The commission then reviewed 26 applicants for the Deputy Chief position before hiring Mulhern as Branford's new Deputy Chief. Mulhern was sworn in on July 9, 2018.

News of Mulhern's promotion to chief was also noted for the public at Branford's Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on April 10.

Mulhern's first day on the job as Branford's new police chief will be Thursday, April 18, according to Branford Police Department, which posted the news on its Facebook page April 10, noting "The Board of Police Commissioners appointed Deputy Chief Jonathan Mulhern as Branford's new police Chief effective April 18th. A third generation police officer, serving 26 years with the North Haven Police Department, and approximately 9 months here in Branford, this position is well-deserved! Congratulations! Congratulations to Chief Kevin Halloran on your retirement and for 30 years of dedicated service!"

Mulhern succeeds Chief Kevin Halloran, a veteran of over three decades with the force who  served as Branford's police chief for eight years, beginning in 2011, before announcing he would retire in March, 2019. As previously reported, Halloran will go on to serve as the next Chief of Police for the Town of North Branford, starting May 1, 2019 (see the story here  ).

Mulhern came to Branford from a strong, 26-year career with North Haven Police Department (NHPD), where he'd served as deputy police chief since 2011. Mulhern was a key player in NHPD's training and teamwork participation including South Central Regional SWAT (serving as commander for nine years). His service also includes that of law enforcement vice chairman for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security's Regional Emergency Planning Team Steering Committee. 

Read Zip06/The Sound's interview with Mulhern shortly after he began serving the town of Branford as Deputy Chief here