Brentwood swears in new police lieutenant; board discusses staffing, background checks and plowing complaints

The Brentwood Select Board on Dec. 30 sworn in Jason Newman as a lieutenant of the Brentwood Police Department and discussed staffing logistics and recent plowing complaints.

Chair performed the swearing-in for Jason Newman, who will join the Brentwood Police Department as a lieutenant. The board took a motion to hire and affirmed administrative arrangements for Newman to begin in an office/administrative capacity while background and credit checks are completed; staff anticipated receiving full background results by mid next week.

Separately, a resident complaint about plow response after a recent snow/ice event prompted discussion from board members. Officials said a plow driver had medical issues and staffing shortages combined with prolonged storm conditions reduced their ability to clear every route promptly. The board acknowledged the complaint, urged patience, and said they were addressing operational issues and communicating with the public.

The board recorded motions approving hiring/start arrangements and noted follow-up on background-check timing and operational staffing for public-works snow response.