Brookfield hires new police chief
BROOKFIELD — For more than three decades, Maj. John Puglisi has showed up to work at the Brookfield Police Department. Over the years, he has held many titles and worked in many roles, slowly working his way up the ranks. But on Feb. 1, he will arrive at the station with a new title: police chief.
“I was pleased when the Board of Selectmen endorsed me and the Police Commission endorsed me,” Puglisi said. “It’s been a good department to work for, a good town to work for.”
Chief James Purcell is retiring on Jan. 31 after roughly five years in his head role and 38 years on the force, and Puglisi has been tapped to take his spot. In 2017, Purcell took over from former Chief Robin Montgomery, a Vietnam veteran and former FBI agent who retired after 16 years as chief at the age of 71.
“He’s been serving Brookfield for many years, and we’ve just been extremely lucky to have him,” First Selectman Tara Carr said of Puglisi. “His professional experience is perfect for the job, so it’s time for his promotion.”
Before learning that Purcell was retiring, Puglisi said he had started applying to chief positions in other places. But after Purcell filed his intent to retire with the town, things moved quickly. There were interviews with the Police Commission, and with former First Selectman Steve Dunn and again with Carr once she took office in late 2021.
On Monday, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved his appointment.
“I think people respect him for his forthright way of doing business, and I think he’ll make a name for himself as time goes on,” said Purcell. “John’s extremely well-regarded, he’s an accomplished officer, he’s a decorated officer.”
Puglisi’s salary has not yet been finalized.
Puglisi said he made the decision to stay on and take on this big role in Brookfield “because of the atmosphere.”
“It’s a known,” he said. “I’ve been here for 34 years.”
Puglisi will be the department’s fourth chief since its inception in the 1970s.
“He brings a good amount of experience from being here in town, so I think we’ll be very fortunate that he’s taking over,” Capt. Peter Frengs said.
Getting to know the new chief
Growing up on Long Island, Puglisi arrived in Connecticut as an 18-yearold, and has spent his entire career with the Brookfield police.
After attending Nassau Community College and Western Connecticut State University, Puglisi started out as a Brookfield patrol officer in 1988. He never imagined he would one day be chief.
“I don’t think it was ever on my radar when I first started,” he said.
Puglisi was promoted to corporal in 1995, and then to patrol sergeant in 2002. By 2008, he was given the title of police captain, and stayed in that role for eight years before becoming a Brookfield police major.
Along the way, Puglisi also held other titles that came with a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from emergency services commander to scuba team commander to lake patrol officer.
Since 2015, Puglisi has also been the chief of the Lake Lillinonah Authority Marine Patrol.
But his career hasn’t just been titles and promotions. His dedication to the community has been honored numerous times over the years.
Puglisi won the Medal for Bravery in 2005 for pulling an unconscious driver from a burning car on a cold January day in 2002, and has also received a Gallantry Star and a Distinguished Service award.
When he isn’t at work, Puglisi said he spends a lot of time with his young grandson, and enjoys hiking, camping and snowmobiling with his wife in Maine.
One of Puglisi’s four children, his eldest son, is a police officer in Monroe.
Into the future
In his new role, Puglisi will focus on implementing the townwide radio system, finishing the department’s accreditation process, the possibility of building improvements, and continued community outreach through events like the annual toy drive and Special Olympics.
He is also dedicated to working on the camaraderie within the force.
Puglisi said his stability, open mindedness and accountability will help him in his new role.
“I’m also kind of a stickler for holding people accountable for what they’re supposed to be doing,” he said.
As the new police chief, Puglisi will be working even more closely with other Brookfield leaders.
“I’ve had the pleasure of speaking privately with John on a number of occasions,” Carr said. “I really appreciate not only his experience, but his vision for, first and foremost, keeping Brookfield safe.”