MINUTES
OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY
BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 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 10:02am.
Chairman Whitney read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call. Eight appellants were present, one appellant failed to appear. Eight Local Issuing Authorities were present along with the State.
Board Members Present: Chairman Diane Whitney, Esq., Dr. Cynthia Conrad, Elbert Gray, Det. Michael Evangelisti, Col. Kyle Overturf, Chief Carl Rosensweig, and Stephen Sanetti, Esq.
Board Members Absent: None
Chairman Diane Whitney administered the oath to all witnesses.
Hearings: Nine cases were heard in the following order:
1) Case No. 24-781-SD, involving the state denial of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. 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. 24-676-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Ofc. Tyler Meusel represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Mark Morello, Bristol Police Department.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
3) Case No. 24-780-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on her own behalf. Sgt. Michael Sigrist represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Roderick Porter, Bridgeport Police Department.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
4) Case No. 24-717-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Lt. Arthur Weisgerber represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief James Walsh, Norwalk Police Department.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
5) Case No. 23-129-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman. Sgt. John Iommazzo represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Fernando Spagnolo, Waterbury Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the Local Issuing Authority. Vote was 7-0 in favor of the Local Issuing Authority.
6) Case No. 24-616-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on her own behalf. Arianna Perez represented the Local Issuing Authority, Town Manager Jim Rivers, Town of Windham with one witness.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Windham to issue the permit. Vote was 7-0 in favor of the appellant.
7) Case No. 24-775-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Ofc. Mark Fowler represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Matthew McNally, Berlin Police Department.
Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Berlin to issue the permit. Vote was 7-0 in favor of the appellant.
8) Case No. 24-715-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. Det. Stephen Jacques represented the Local Issuing Authority, Acting Chief David Zannelli, New Haven Police Department.
Motion: Board Secretary Col. Overturf made a motion for the Local Issuing Authority, by default, due to the appellant failing to appear. Motion seconded by Mr. Gray, motion passed unanimously.
9) Case No. 25-021-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Sgt. Matthew Clerkin represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Jonathan Mulhern, Branford Police Department.
Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his case.
Secretary’s Report:
Board member Chief Rosensweig made a motion to accept the minutes from January 22, 2026, seconded by Dr. Conrad. motion carried. Col. Overturf and Atty. Sanetti abstained. Vote 5-0-2 to approve.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Adjournment: Board member Dr. Conrad made a motion to adjourn seconded by Board member Atty. Sanetti, motion carried. Meeting ended at 11:35am.