MINUTES

OFFICE OF GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY

BOARD OF FIREARMS PERMIT EXAMINERS

Thursday, January 8, 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 10:04am.

Chairman Whitney read the Introductory Statement and called the roll call.  Four appellants were present, four appellants failed to appear. Seven 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: Eight cases were heard in the following order:

1) Case No. 24-451-R, involving the revocation of a pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant was represented by Ralph D. Sherman, Esq.  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 unanimous decision, the Board voted to uphold the decision of the State Issuing Authority, the revocation of the pistol permit. Vote was 7-0 in favor of the State Issuing Authority.

2) Case No. 24-721-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf. Det. Lt. Matthew Malone represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Danbury Police Department.

Motion: Board Secretary Col. Overturf made a motion for the Appellant for lack of evidence.  Motion was seconded by Atty. Sanetti, motion passed unanimously.

3) Case No. 24-750-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Ofc. Roderick Doda represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Roderick Porter, Bridgeport Police Department.

Withdrawal: The appellant withdrew his appeal.

4) Case No. 24-683-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant appeared on his own behalf.  Lt. Scott Smith represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief David Kullgren, Newtown Police Department.

Decision: By a unanimous decision, the Board voted in favor of the appellant and ordered Newtown to issue the permit.  Vote was 7-0 in favor of the appellant.

5) Case No. 24-710-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. Chief John Puglisi represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief John Puglisi, Brookfield 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 was seconded by Mr. Gray, motion passed unanimously.

6) Case No. 24-712-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. Jon Femia represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Roberto Rosado, Meriden 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 was seconded by Mr. Gray, motion passed unanimously.

7) Case No. 24-711-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear. Ofc. Roderick Doda represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief Roderick Porter, Bridgeport 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 was seconded by Mr. Gray, motion passed unanimously.

8) Case No. 24-558-D, involving the denial of a temporary pistol permit to carry pistols and revolvers. The appellant failed to appear.  Lt. Scott Smith represented the Local Issuing Authority, Chief David Kullgren, Newtown 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 was seconded by Mr. Gray, motion passed unanimously.

 

Secretary’s Report:

Board member Atty. Sanetti made a motion to accept the minutes from December 11, 2025, seconded by Col. Overturf. motion carried. Mr. Gray and Chief Rosensweig abstained. Vote 5-2 to approve.

 

 

Old Business: None

New Business: None

 

Adjournment: Board member Chief Rosensweig made a motion to adjourn seconded by Board member Mr. Gray motion carried. Meeting ended at 11:25am.