MINUTES

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY

BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS

Thursday, October 24, 2024, 10am

Connecticut State Office Building

165 Capitol Ave., Room D/E, Hartford, CT 06106

Call to Order

Chairman Carolyn Futtner called the meeting to order at 10:07am.

Chairman Futtner read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call.  Five appellants were present, one appellant failed to appear. Four Local Issuing Authorities were present along with the State.

Board Members Present: Chairman Carolyn Futtner, Esq., Elbert Gray (late), Col. Chris Lewis, Col. Kyle Overturf, Chief Carl Rosensweig, and Stephen Sanetti, Esq.

Board Members Absent: Dr. Cynthia Conrad and Det. Gudrun Johnson

Chairman Carolyn Futtner administered the oath to all witnesses.

Hearings: Six cases were heard in the following order:

1) Case No. 23-335-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Lt. Joseph Ficacelli represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Mack Hawkins, East Hartford Police Department.

Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.

2) Case No. 23-295-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Lt. Kathrine Relyea represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Spencer Cerruto, New Milford Police Department.

Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.

3) Case No. 23-288-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Det. Paul Bertola represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief C. Colin McAllister, Naugatuck Police Department.

Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the Local Issuing Authority, the denial of the pistol permit.

Mr. Gray arrived at the hearing

4) Case No. 23-249-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq. Sgt. Jeff Gilbert represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Paul Melanson, Avon Police Department.

Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the Local Issuing Authority, the denial of the pistol permit. Chairman Futtner, Col. Lewis, Col. Overturf, Chief Rosensweig and Atty. Sanetti voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.  Mr. Gray voted in favor of the Appellant. Vote was 5-1 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.

5) Case No. 23-493-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. DESPP Staff Attorney John Grasso represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection with one witness.

Motion: Board Secretary Overturf made a motion for the State Issuing Authority, by default, due to the appellant failing to appear. Motion was seconded by Mr. Gray, motion passed unanimously.

6) Case No. 23-219-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq. DESPP Staff Attorney John Grasso represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection with one witness. Chairman Futtner recused herself from this case due to a conflict. 

Continuance: This case has been continued to December 12, 2024

Secretary’s Report:

Board member Board Secretary Col. Overturf made a motion to accept the minutes from October 10, 2024, seconded by Mr. Gray. motion carried. Vote 5-0-1 to approve.

Old Business: Progress on the Chief Court Administrator vacancy.

New Business: Discussed draft 2025 schedule.

Adjournment: Board member Chief Rosensweig made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Board member Mr. Gray, motion carried. Meeting ended at 11:46am.