Phyllis Swebilius, New Haven Register

SEYMOUR — A flare-up at the police station the morning after a town meeting voted to finance a new emergency communications system is expected to be played out at a police commission meeting next month.

Residents Dec. 15 approved financing of the emergency dispatch console, for up to $497,000; along with vehicles for the Public Works and Fire departments.

On Dec. 16, according to First Selectman Kurt Miller, Police Chief Michael Metzler “was voicing frustration about the lack of support by members of the Police Department and was speaking out.”

A complaint was filed that day with the Board of Police Commissioners by Sgt. Richard J. Gittings.

The chief made his comments in front of Gittings, Lt. Paul Satkowski, Officers John Harkins and Sergio Desiderato, and city custodian Patrick Duffy, according to a copy of the complaint obtained by the Register.

Gittings was the shift supervisor at the time, the complaint says.

Metzler said that the new radio console was approved at the previous night’s meeting “without one (expletive) union member present,” the complaint says.

“He then stood up and said, ‘The next time the union sends me a letter they can suck (expletive), and you can take that to the bank,'” the complaint says.

According to the complaint, Gittings was “in shock” over the statement, and Desiderato said, “‘I can’t believe he just said that in front of five people.'”

Harkins echoed the sentiment, the complaint says.

“I thought, as did the others, that the statement was completely out of line and inappropriate. As a supervisor, I feel it is my duty to report this to the Board of Police Commissioners to investigate this incident,” the complaint says.

“Please take this incident seriously,” it says.

Gittings declined comment Wednesday.

Satkowski could not be reached for comment Wednesday. He has said the console has been failing over the years, and because of its age, replacement parts are not available.

The 21-year-old console, which was not new when the department purchased it, is the 911 hub of critical communications for police, fire, ambulance, emergency management and the Public Works Department.

Miller said Wednesday that the matter will be handled by the Board of Police Commissioners. He said he has made his recommendation to police commission chairwoman, Lucy McConologue, about what he’d like to see happen.

“But I expect the punishment would be equal to whatever anybody else gets,” he said.

There is some precedent, with some disciplinary action taken, he said, and added: “It being the police chief, I feel the action needs to be taken a little bit further,” but declined to say what he recommends.

McConologue said Wednesday that members would be taking up the issue in executive session, but otherwise, she had no comment. The board meets again at 7 p.m. Jan. 12.

“I feel very strongly that the police commission will take the appropriate action,” Miller said. “I have full confidence in them.”

Register correspondent Jean Falbo Sosnovich contributed to this story.

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