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03/23/2020 12:00 AMUsing each agency's official Facebook pages, Totoket TV and local media, North Branford Town Manager Michael Paulhus, Fire Chief William Seward III and Chief of Police Kevin Halloran will be working to bring the community verified local information regarding COVID-19 and the work being done to keep the community safe.
The three agency leaders shared the news in a Totoket TV video posted over the weekend and airing on Totoket TV channels. Paulhus said the Town of North Branford, North Branford Fire Department (NBFD) and North Branford Police Department (NBPD) will be keeping the community current and informed with posts appearing on Facebook pages managed by NBPD, NBFD and the Town of North Branford. Meeting videos are also posted at the Totoket TV Facebook page. Additionally, the Town's CODE RED telephone messaging service has been activated to notify residents on where to find information updates.
On March 13 Paulhus implemented a COVID-19 emergency declaration which has put the town in position to receive all available federal funding and access to any resources the federal government can provide, he said. The three local leaders are also in daily contact with local and state agencies, health departments and other groups to continue to manage and share the most up-to-date and verified information to assist the community.
"North Branford is a special community, known for pulling together and supporting each other during difficult times," said Paulhus. "There is no doubt in my mind that our community will continue that tradition and support each other in this extraordinary event."
Chief Seward said NBFD's lines of communication will remain open during the COVID-19 crisis, with the department following a unified command structure while also practicing health and safety guidelines for its members and the community. Emergency responders will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if a response merits that level of protection, he said.
"We still have a mission to fulfill, and we'll do this as one department, one family, with one goal, protecting the lives of our citizens," Seward said.
Chief Halloran said NBPD will maintain its mission to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and providing the best services possible during the COVID-19 episode.
"Although we have made some slight modifications to our responses, to protect the community and officers, we will continue to proactively patrol businesses and neighborhoods and closely monitor all crime trends. You will receive a police response for all calls for service," Halloran noted.
Officers are equipped with PPE in the event they need to respond to a medically-related call. To reduce unnecessary contact, dispatchers will be handling less serious complaints over the phone or might ask the caller to meet the dispatcher outside the department.
Halloran said NBPD's social media and other communication outreaches will also focus on raising awareness of any potential COVID-19 related scams or crime trends connected to COVID-19.
At present, North Branford Town Hall is closed public with only limited access for essential or emergency business by calling (203) 484-6000.