MINUTES

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY

BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS

Thursday, January 24, 2019, 10am at the

Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Hwy.

Wethersfield, CT 06109

Call to Order

Chairman Frank P. Blando called the meeting to order at 10:00am.

Chairman Blando read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call.  Ten appellants were present. The State Issuing Authority and seven local Issuing Authorities were present two Issuing Authorities failed to appear.

Board Members Present: Chairman Frank P. Blando, Esq., Carolyn Futtner Esq., Chief Carl Rosensweig, Ms. Gudrun Johnson, and Mr. M. Peter Kuck.

Board Members Absent: Board Secretary Col. Kyle Overturf and Dr. William Sledge

Chairman Frank P. Blando administered the oath to all witnesses.

Hearings: Ten cases were heard in the following order:

1) Case No. 18-361-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by John R. Cronin, Esq. Joseph Skelly, Asst. Counsel, represented the local Issuing Authority, Chief James Wardwell, New Britain Police Department with one witness.

Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered New Britain to issue the permit.

2) Case No. 18-044-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Christian Young, Esq. Trooper Doug Sauve’ represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner James C. Rovella, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted in favor of the State Issuing Authority. Chairman Blando, Atty. Futtner, Chief Rosensweig, Ms. Johnson voted in favor of the Issuing Authority and Mr. Kuck voted in favor of the appellant.

3) Case No. 17-548-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq. with one witness.  Captain Brandon Marschner represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Keith Mello, Milford Police Department with one witness.

Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority. Chairman Blando, Atty. Futtner, Chief Rosensweig, Ms. Johnson voted in favor of the Issuing Authority and Mr. Kuck voted in favor of the appellant.

4) Case No. 18-195-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  No one appeared for the Local Issuing Authority, Chief John Gavallas, Watertown Police Department.

Motion: Mr. Kuck made a motion for the appellant by default seconded by Ms. Johnson.  Ms. Johnson withdrew her motion.  Motion failed.

Continued: Case was continued to March 7, 2019. due to concerns over the appellants suitability.

5) Case No. 18-433-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf with one witness.  No one appeared for the Local Issuing Authority, Chief John Gavallas, Watertown Police Department.

Motion: Chief Rosensweig made a motion for the Local Issuing Authority, due to the appellant’s witness testimony about his safety and failing health. Motion was seconded by Ms. Johnson, motion passed unanimously.

6) Case No. 18-420-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on her own behalf. Joseph Skelly, Asst. Counsel was present for the local Issuing Authority, Chief James Wardwell, New Britain Police Department with one witness.

Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority. Chairman Blando, Atty. Futtner, and Chief Rosensweig, voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority and Ms. Johnson and Mr. Kuck voted in favor of the appellant.

7) Case No. 18-224-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq.  Deputy Chief Roberto Rinaldi, represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Paul Satkowski, Seymour Police Department.

Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Seymour to issue the permit.

8) Case No. 18-207-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Det. Stavrides appeared for the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Jeffry Cossette, Meriden Police Department.

Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the Issuing Authority the denial of his pistol permit.

9) Case No. 18-440-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Lt. Joseph LaRose, represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Danbury Police Department.

Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Danbury to issue the permit.

10) Case No. 18-382-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Ofc. Jacques appeared for the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Anthony Campbell, New Haven Police Department.

Motion: Ms. Johnson made a motion for the Local Issuing Authority, due to the appellant having a NICS hit on his record. Motion was seconded by Mr. Kuck, motion passed unanimously.

Secretary’s Report:

Board member Kuck made a motion to accept the minutes from January 10, 2019, seconded by Atty. Futtner, motion carried.

Adjournment: Board member Kuck made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Ms. Johnson motion carried unanimously.  Meeting ended at 2:20pm.