WILTON – Selectmen met briefly with the new police chief Tuesday evening, welcoming him back to town and hearing of a generally smooth transition.
Wilton Police Department Chief E. Page Reynolds was hired on an interim basis, after Chief Dennis Brown resigned in early January. Reynolds worked for the town as a lieutenant, leading investigations and helping train a group of generally younger officers for nearly two years. Tuesday, he said he was “very fond” of Wilton and happy to be back.
“I’m excited to be here,” Reynolds told the board. He noted that the transition had been “hectic” but smooth, thanks to his prior relationship with Brown. “It didn’t take a great deal to get up to snuff, because I was able to hit the ground running, so to speak.”
Reynolds said his first priorities were to pick up on $30,000-worth of grant applications to ensure they continued to move forward, as well as put the finishing touches on the annual department budget request, started by Brown. Wilton’s budget committee meets next Tuesday.
Reynolds said that morale within the department was good, and he complimented the town for the quality of the people serving the department. Currently, two positions remain open; a patrol officer position and the recently-created sergeant’s position, which replaced Reynolds’ old lieutenant position.
“The future is bright,” Reynolds said.
Selectmen welcomed Reynolds back to Wilton and thanked him for filling the police chief’s position on an interim basis. In the past, selectmen have issued a statement which said they strongly supported the current police department and intended to explore all options.
“Welcome aboard,” Selectman Chair Terry Brann told Reynolds.
“Chief Dennis Brown resigned in early January.” Should this be February?