Minutes
Police Commission - Minutes - Apr 8, 2026
Apr 8, 2026
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
1 of 3 POLICE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2026 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting of the Police Commission was called to order by Commissioner Jenna Caulfield, at 5:00 P.M. in the Board of Education Conference Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. In attendance were Commissioner Jenna Caulfield, Commissioner Chris Kelly, Commissioner James Traficante, Chief Nicholas Boulter, and Deputy Chief Chris Davis. Absent were Chair Eric Lemke and Commissioner Tenesha Grant. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Traficante read the summary of letters received since the last meeting of the commission on March 9, 2026. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. After a motion was made by Commissioner Kelly and seconded by Commissioner Traficante it was unanimous: VOTED: To approve the minutes of the March 9, 2026 Regular Meeting. 5. REPORTS a. Chairperson’s Report i. Some of the Commissioners attended the budget hearings recently. One of the topics that was brought up is the police officer vacancy rate and the effect it could have on current and future budgets. Discussion followed. b. Chief’s Report i. General Budget process: There was a Board of Finance hearing on the budget last night, which has been continued to April 21. Personnel: The department has 2 members currently in the police academy. Emily Nado has just under 3 months to go and Chris Bragg started the academy on March 27 and has just under 6 months remaining. The department continues to fill police vacancies. There were 8 candidates that entered the first oral board interview today. Those candidates have completed a written exam, a physical agility test and an initial application and background questionnaire. For those continuing in the process, the next step is an interview with the lieutenants in the command staff. For recruitment efforts, members of the department have attended the last two physical agility tests held in CT. These tests are required before a person can apply. The intent is that the presence of the department members at events like these will promote the department and town to potential candidates. The department is in the process of updating and improving the recruitment material as well. Training: Lt. Matt Christian recently completed the last course of a three-part training series through the FBI. The focus is on enhancing leadership skills from the first-line supervisor through to top executives. Lieutenant Greg Samselski and Sergeant JP Lessard each completed the trilogy within the last 9 months and Lt. Brad Chase had completed it a few years ago. Sergeants Tim Russell and JP Lessard both attended a two-and-a-half-day conference by the CT Chapter of the FBI National Academy. This leadership conference featured national and local 2 of 3 speakers and presenters that focused on leadership, specifically leadership within modern day policing, social media and media relations, critical incidents, investigations, and crisis and hostage negotiations. This conference was attended last year by Lt. Samselski and Sgt. Justin Johnson. Recent/Upcoming events: The Department is hosting a town Shred event in the month of May or June. More information will be post on the department website and social media page. The newly organized Citizen Police Academy will be announced on social media and our website within the next couple of days. The first module is scheduled for the evening of May 20, 2026. The Junior Police Academy is scheduled for August 3rd through the 7th. It is a week of daily emergency services activities and learning for grade 5-8. The announcement will be on the department website and social medias pages in the near future. Jersey Mike’s hosted a Day of Giving on March 25 where 100% of the sale proceeds were donated to the Special Olympics CT. The Department had personnel present for the event to help bring attention, raise awareness and support our local Olympians. On June 4 this year the annual CT Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place bringing awareness and raising funds for CT Special Olympics. The Department expects a large group of runners to participate. ii. Monthly Activity Report – March 2026 6. NEW ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER RECOMMENDATION a. Chief Boulter introduced Jesse Sawallich to the Police Commission for the role of Animal Control Officer and gave an overview on their education and work experience. The Police Commission moved to enter executive session at 5:14 P.M. to discuss the application of ACO candidate. In attendance at executive session were Commissioner Jenna Caulfield, Commissioner James Traficante, Commissioner Chris Kelly, Chief Nicholas Boulter, Deputy Chief Chris Davis, and Jesse Sawallich. Jesse Sawallich left the executive session at 5:21 P.M. Public Session reconvened at 5:27 P.M. and after a motion was made by Commissioner Caulfield and seconded by Commissioner Kelly, it was unanimous: VOTED: To approve the hiring of Jesse Sawallich effective April 27, 2026. 7. REVIEW OF PROPOSED UPDATES TO GENERAL ORDERS a. New GO 11-2 (rescinding GO 16-1)- The updates and changes to the new GO 11-2 were presented and discussion followed. After a motion was made by Commissioner Caulfield and seconded by Commissioner Traficante it was unanimous: VOTED: To rescind GO 16-1 and approve GO 11-2, effective 4/8/2026. b. GO 41-2: The updates and changes to GO 41-2 were presented and discussion followed. After a motion was made by Commissioner Traficante and seconded by Commissioner Caulfield it was unanimous: VOTED: To approve GO 41-2, effective 4/8/2026. 3 of 3 8. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Caulfield made a motion to adjourn at 5:33 P.M., seconded by Commissioner Traficante. All were in favor and the motion passed.