BRISTOL, Conn. — Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould announced Tuesday evening he will be stepping down. The announcement was made during a city council meeting.
“With a very heavy heart, and after much consideration, I have decided not to renew my contract, and therefore, I will be retiring when my contract expires," said Gould.
According to the police chief, his contract expires on April 25. Gould said that he made the choice with "much difficulty and very mixed emotions."
Gould took into account what was happening in his life, including reaching the 30-year mark with the police department in a week-and-a-half and his contract expiring.
"It was kind of lining up and I didn't want to go into negotiating another contract when I kind of had a feeling that I might be retiring in the next year or two. As things were lining up, I just felt it, it's hard to explain," said Gould. "It's just one of those things you know from inside and it just kind of called out to me."
When asked about his plans beyond his role with the police department, Gould said that he has no official news regarding his future but is looking forward to an announcement regarding an exciting opportunity and "to stay tuned."
He also said that he believes the police department is in a "good position to transition and move forward" and he is "looking forward to being a spectator." Three additional officers are expected to be sworn in on Friday, bringing the department to full staffing at 122.
Gould served as chief of police for the Bristol Police Department for nearly eight years. He had served as interim chief for nearly half a year before he was promoted.
Along with the department and town community, Gould endured the tragic loss of two Bristol police officers, who were ambushed during a call in October 2022.
"The last 2 [years] were the most challenging, for sure, 100%," said Gould. "Going through an incident like that, with everybody, watching two beautiful, beautiful men give their life in the line of duty and their families, you know, struggling with that, and another one seriously injured, certainly has a profound impact on you."
Gould remembered the Bristol community's response during the tragedy, "forever grateful" to have watched the town rally together to support the officers and their families.
"My final message is to keep that love, keep that caring, stay strong with each other, there is no doubt that there is going to be disagreements and it's healthy to have debates, but at the end of the day, stay strong, and love one another, and this community will stay great," Gould said.
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