New Top Brass Take Over Reins At Branford Police Department

BRANFORD, CT -With the recent resignation of Police Chief Kevin Halloran (who resigned to become North Branford Police Chief) and the promotion of Deputy Chief John Mulhern to Branford’s top cop several other higher level jobs in the department needed to be filled.

The Branford Board of Police Commissioners and Chief Jonathan Mulhern recently announced the recent promotion of several Branford Officers.

Deputy Chief John Alves

Deputy Chief John Alves is a 19- year veteran of the department. He served in the Patrol Division as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He rose to the rank of Captain and was most recently the Commander of the Patrol Division. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Connecticut State University. Captain Alves is currently completing a master’s degree at the University of New Haven. He is graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Roger Williams Command Training Series. Captain Alves has twice received the Medal of Merit, and received numerous Commendations and Unit Citations.

Captain John Finkle

Captain John Finkle was promoted from Detective Lieutenant and will now serve as the Patrol Division Commander. Finkle is a 20-year veteran of the department. Captain Finkle holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science and a bachelor’s degree from the Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He is a 2016 graduate from the Senior Management Institute for Policing (SMIP). He also earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in the US Army Reserve.

Lieutenant Phillip Ramey

Lieutenant Phillip Ramey was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant. He will now serve as a patrol shift commander. He is a 14-year veteran of the department and has been the Center Business District liaison for many years. Lieutenant Ramey was also a past member of the Branford SWAT Team. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Investigations.

Sergeant Matthew Clerkin

Sergeant Matthew Clerkin will now serve as patrol shift supervisor. He is a 6.5-year veteran of the department and a certified field-training officer. Sergeant Clerkin earned a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and a Master’s Degree in Investigations from the University of New Haven. Sergeant Clerkin is the recipient of the Medal of Merit, Medal of Commendation, and several Unit Citations.