MINUTES
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 10am
Connecticut State Office Building
165 Capitol Ave., Room D/E, Hartford, CT 06106
Call to Order
Chairman Diane Whitney called the meeting to order at 10:04am.
Chairman Whitney read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call. Five appellants were present, one appellant failed to appear. Two Local Issuing Authorities were present along with the State.
Board Members Present: Chairman Diane Whitney, Esq., Michael Evangelisti, Esq., Col. Chris Lewis, Col. Kyle Overturf, Chief Carl Rosensweig, and Stephen Sanetti, Esq.
Board Members Absent: Dr. Cynthia Conrad and Elbert Gray,
Chairman Diane Whitney administered the oath to all witnesses.
Hearings: Six cases were heard in the following order:
1) Case No. 26-145-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ryan McGuigan, Esq. DESPP Sgt. Brianna Maurice represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
2) Case No. 24-571-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf DESPP Sgt. Brianna Maurice represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
3) Case No. 24-491-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Chief James Canon represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief James Canon, Suffield Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Suffield to issue the permit. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the appellant.
4) Case No. 24-614-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Lt. Joseph Ficarelli represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Mack Hawkins, East Hartford 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. Vote was 6-0 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.
5) Case No. 24-331-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on her own behalf DESPP Sgt. Brianna Maurice represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection with one witness.
Decision: By a majority decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the State Issuing Authority, the revocation of the pistol permit. Chairman Whitney, Atty. Evangelisti, Col. Lewis, Col. Overturf, and Chief Rosensweig and voted in favor of the State Issuing Authority. Atty. Sanetti voted in favor of the Appellant. Vote was 5-1 in favor of the State Issuing Authority.
6) Case No. 24-564-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. DESPP Sgt. Brianna Maurice represented the State Issuing Authority, Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Motion: Board Secretary Col. Overturf made a motion for the State Issuing Authority, by default, due to the appellant failing to appear. Motion was seconded by Chief Rosensweig, motion passed unanimously.
Secretary’s Report:
Board Secretary Col. Overturf made a motion to accept the minutes from October 2. 2025, seconded by Atty. Sanetti. motion carried. Col. Lewis abstained. Vote 5-0-1 to approve.
Old Business: None
New Business: Discussed the 2026 Hearing Schedule
Adjournment: Board Secretary Col. Overturf made a motion to adjourn seconded by Board member Chief Rosensweig, motion carried. Meeting ended at 11:25am.