Middletown council appoints Kathy Sargent as deputy director of Central Communications

Mayor Nocera convened the Common Council on July 6 and introduced Kathy Sargent as the mayor’s unanimous recommendation for deputy director of Central Communications. The council then heard Sargent’s statement and a panel of council members asked about her operational priorities and experience.

Sargent, who said she brings 21 years of public-safety experience and five years as a training-division supervisor in New Haven, told the council she built a formal training and quality-assurance program from the ground up and has served in acting deputy-director roles. “I built a comprehensive training and quality assurance department completely from the ground up,” she said, describing work on scheduling, payroll administration and operational compliance.

Sargent outlined a multi-part outreach plan she called the Bridge to Community. It includes classroom presentations for kindergarten through fifth grade to teach children when and how to use 911; an “Adventures in Dispatch” youth-leadership program for sixth grade through high school to encourage local recruitment into dispatch careers; Friday Friends transparency tours to invite the public into the dispatch center; and STAR 911 senior outreach to deliver safety briefings and rapid medical data-sharing at senior centers.

Council members pressed on two operational priorities. Councilwoman Blackwell asked how Sargent would address dispatcher burnout after she moves into management. Sargent said she used employee-assistance programs in New Haven, separates work and home life personally, and wants a quality-assurance program that highlights positive performance rather than functioning as a punitive tool: “Look at what you did right. Let’s celebrate those wins,” she said. She added she would use remediation, personal improvement plans and progressive discipline when necessary and that she has experience meeting with unions during disciplinary processes.

Council members also asked about Sargent’s reasons for leaving New Haven and her readiness to step into an executive role. She said stable leadership in New Haven limited her promotion timeline and Middletown’s upcoming transition to the Mile Lane 911 facility made the city an attractive place to apply her operational experience.

After questions, Councilman Ford read a resolution appointing Sargent to the position (UPSEU local 6457, salary grade noted). The motion to approve was moved, seconded, and adopted by voice vote; the resolution states the appointment is effective upon adoption. Mayor Nocera recessed briefly so family could take a photo.

The appointment leaves Sargent responsible for daily logistics, training standards and personnel scheduling at Middletown Central Communications, while the director focuses on strategic leadership and the facility transition to the Mile Lane center.