Ex-cop and state police spokesperson selected as Connecticut town manager

TOLLAND — Former Hartford deputy police chief and state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection spokesperson Brian Foley has been hired as the next town manager.

Foley will start the job on June 27. He is best known as a spokesperson for Hartford Police under then Chief James Rovella who has since become commissioner of DESPP. In 2019, Rovella hired Foley as an executive assistant, often acting as a spokesperson for the agency and the state police. Foley did a stint as a chief investigator for Fox 61 WTIC from 2018 to 2019.

Foley, a Tolland resident, holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology/criminal justice from Central Connecticut State University and is a senior management graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum, Tolland officials said in announcing the appointment Thursday.

“I thank the Town Council for this incredible honor to serve the Town of Tolland,” Foley said in a statement issued by the town. “After a rewarding career around the state, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come home. As a resident, I am deeply and personally committed to our town. I look forward to working with the community, Council and staff in the coming years. My goal is to be a unifying voice in these polarizing times as we work to improve the quality of life and quality of services in the Town of Tolland. Let’s get to work.”

As a spokesperson with Hartford police and DESPP, Foley’s experience in media relations and outreach throughout his career “will be of great value to the town as we look to strengthen how we inform residents about programs and services and important issues being addressed by the council like the budget,” Jones said.