Enfield Law Enforcement…Taking Nothing for Granted


In light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech University I thought I would talk to our Chief of Police about preparedness in Enfield for such an incident. However, before I begin I first want to pay my respects to the lives that were lost in Virginia and send my prayers to the families devastated by this senseless act of hate. Words cannot describe how we all feel hearing this news last week and the grief we feel as a nation.

Have you ever heard the phrase “It could never happen here?” Well, after Columbine, Oklahoma City, and 9/11, I am certain we all have begun to understand that hate and terrorism is not just something that happens out there or in someone else’s backyard. It can happen right here at home in our community. In fact Christopher Bromson, Enfield Public Safety Director, made this statement to me recently “In our work it is unacceptable to say it could never happen here.” I agree!

I sat down last Friday with Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza and Public Safety Director Christopher Bromson to learn what our Police Department is doing to keep us safe in light of recent events. Up front I have to say I was impressed with the Chief, the Public Safety Director, the Officers on the beat (as the saying goes), and the equipment and technology Enfield is blessed to have at it’s disposal.

I asked Chief Sferrazza about the program called “Active Shooter.” Now that title may sound shocking, but it defines what the greatest nightmare for local law enforcement, which is a person in a public business or area shooting with the ultimate goal of leaving the highest body count.

Both Chief Sferrazza and Mr. Bromson stated that hate crimes and terrorism have taken on a new look. In the 1970’s when someone hijacked a plane it was for the purpose of negotiating something in exchange for releasing the plane. Today they are used as flying bombs to create fear by the shock of the death toll. It used to be that someone would hold a business hostage where they may have been fired from in hopes of gaining their job back or bringing to the public the corruptness of that company. Today the fear is that people just want revenge and go out in a blaze of glory.

The “Active Shooter” program is being implemented for today’s threat and the new age of domestic terrorism, which includes school shootings, workplace rampage, and random acts of rage.


The idea is for the Enfield Police to set up training exercises at local businesses, schools, and anywhere where people work, shop, or play. The Police will conduct drills to rehearse procedures to deal with an “active shooter.” As the Chief stated to me in the interview “we need to practice on site” to be totally prepared for a nightmare we pray will never happen.

The Chief and Mr. Bromson acknowledged their appreciation for the Enfield Town Council who has supported their vision for this and other programs of public safety.

Three Businesses have already signed on to allow training. Enfield Federal Savings and Rockville Bank and another that wishes to remain confidential. Personally I am thankful for Enfield Federal Savings doing this since my son works there. It gives Dad a sense of peace, which is one of the goals.

All three of these businesses pick up the cost for the training, which is about $800.00. A small cost, but a great reward in the chance that a rescue is ever needed. I also complement the Chief and Public Safety Director for this program. The training is top notch, the cost is not on the taxpayer, and the businesses have the knowledge that they have provided safety for their employees and customers.

If you are interested in this program contact the Chief at 860-763-6400

The Chief has also reached out to experts around the country to come and prepare us for the worst-case situation. School Administrators have been included in the training, and Asnuntuck Community College has also been working with our local law enforcement for the purpose of making our schools safe.

Other endeavors that Chief Sferrazza and the Public Safety Director are working on are a regional S.W.A.T. team. This effort combines the talent and abilities of other local police agencies to come together to handle acts of terror. Then there is the STEP program that is dealing with the drug activity in Enfield. This program is showing success in getting drugs off our streets.

There is not enough space in one article to tell you all that is going on in Enfield with law enforcement. In another article I will share more about how police deal emotionally with tragic events.

But I want to end this article by saying that we have a great Police Department. If I were to describe the Chief with one word that word would be “Decent”. He is a decent, honest and most of all passionate man of vision.

In his own words he said, “I never take a cavalier approach to the public safety” and “we keep reaching and reaching to do more for Enfield.”

Last I want to tell you the reader how you can show your support for the men and women in Blue. Friday night (April 27th) at Mount Carmel Society there will be a Pasta Dinner for the Police Unity Tour, which brings attention to fallen officers. The cost is $8.00 and goes from 6-8 PM.

Once again…May God be with the families and friends of Virginia Tech University.

Greg Stokes