Ex-cop and state police spokesperson picked as town manager in Tolland
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.”
Foley did not immediately
return a message seeking comment on Friday. His last day with the state DESPP was not immediately known.
He was chosen after a two-day interview process and a unanimous council vote, which occurred on Thursday evening, interim Town Manager Lisa Hancock said. There were 17 candidates from 10 states vying for the job, town officials said.
“Brian's professional capabilities as a leader with gradual increases in responsibility with the Hartford Police Department and at the state level serving at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection were a notable distinction as a top candidate,” said Town Council Chair Steven Jones. “His familiarity with the community as a lifelong resident and regional issues as a whole will also benefit the community as we address crumbling foundations,
well water concerns, public safety and economic development.”
During his 20-year career with the Hartford Police Department, Foley also served as commander of the Major Crimes Division, commander of the Frog/ Hollow/South Green District, commander and investigator for the Internal Affairs Division, as a patrol supervisor and homicide and major crimes detective, the town said. Foley also served as a community service office and patrol officer, and as a community outreach adviser.
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.