Chief & Officers

Chief Stephen Pugner has the overall responsibility for the professional, legal, and efficient operation of the Bethel Police Department after being promoted from his previous rank of Captain in July 2020.

Chief Pugner was hired in 2000 and during his career he has worked as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and Captain. Chief Pugner is also a trained Accident Reconstruction Specialist and served many years on the department's Major Accident Team, including time as the leader of that team. Chief Pugner also served as the department's Field Training Coordinator where he oversaw the entire training program for new officers, including assisting with recruitment and hiring.

Chief Pugner holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Naugatuck Community College, A Bachelor's Degree in Public Safety Administration from Charter Oak State College, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Marist College.

Captain Heather Burnes is second-in-command in the Bethel Police Department. Captain Burnes was hired in 2000 and in her career she has served as; Patrol Officer, Bike Officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Police Instructor, Child Passenger Safety Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, and as a Certified Crime Prevention Officer.  Captain Burnes also oversaw the field training program for new hires as the Field Training Coordinator.

In September of 2015, she was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the patrol division while also being assigned the management and oversight of attaining of national accreditation through CALEA. In November of 2018, she was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as the Patrol Operations Commander in charge of all police operations directly relating to the public. In July of 2020 she was promoted to Captain.

Captain Burnes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University.