Governor Dannel Malloy has announced Commissioner of Public Safety Reuben Bradford will step down on February 1 after three years leading the agency that oversees state police, emergency management and homeland security. No reason was given for Bradford's departure, but Malloy praised Bradford for improving what was formerly known as the Department of Public Safety.
Last year, the state police union voted no confidence in Bradford, and criticized his consolidation of state police dispatch operations. Officials have not announced his successor. Bradford became commissioner in early 2011 after 15 years as head of security for the National Football League.
Police Boost Holiday Enforcement Efforts
State police cited fewer Connecticut drivers for driving under the influence, speeding or driving dangerously this holiday season compared to last year. State Police spokesman Lt. Paul Vance said much of that is due to increased police presence on the roads compared to last year. Troopers were out looking to spot drunk drivers as well as aggressive drivers.
John DeStefano Prepares for His Next Job
John DeStefano has two jobs lined up when he leaves New Haven City Hall after 20 years as mayor. DeStefano will serve as executive director of Start Community Bank on January 2, a job he announced back in May. Later in the month, he’ll begin teaching a political science course at Yale University.
Norwalk Man is Freed in Russia
Captain Peter Willcox of Norwalk is now a free man. The 60-year-old captain of the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise was being held in Russia along with 29 other activists who were arrested during a protest of oil drilling in the Arctic. Their vessel was seized on September 18. Russia formally dropped criminal charges on Wednesday.
