Brendan Rea
Candidate for First Selectman

Brendan Rea is a dedicated father, 20-year Connecticut State Trooper and proud United States Air Force Veteran. He grew up in Durham, spending his youth working on the Vynalek and Herzig Farms. After graduating from Coginchaug H.S., Brendan enlisted in the USAF, where he served as a Security Police Specialist guarding high priority nuclear weapons, and also served in the Persian Gulf War. Brendan returned from service to raise his three children in Durham, and worked at Powder Ridge. His call to support his community grew deeper when Brendan decided to become a State Trooper, gravitating towards community policing, which involves people management, negotiation, mediation skills, and knowledge of policies and procedures. This included 11 years in Willimantic, working daily to make housing project residents feel safe and valued. There Brendan witnessed the strength and resilience of a community as they worked to overcome challenges and create a better life for themselves and their families. He also worked as a Narcotic Detection Officer with his K-9 partner, Banjo, and later was Middlefield's Resident State Trooper, working closely with Middlefield as well as Durham town governments and communities. Brendan was honored to be named "Police Officer of The Year'' from thre CGA with a citation from Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele, awarded The CT Exchange Club's "Salute to CT's Finest" award, and the U.S. Attorney's Office Certificate of Commendation. Also, his Willimantic unit received the Herman Goldstein Award for Excellence in Problem-Oriented Policing certificate of achievement.

Brendan is a dedicated public servant, a fiscal conservative who believes in small government and low taxes, an experienced manager who will work full-time and recruit the best and brightest to fill the vacancies in Town Hall, and a man with a vision to bring transparency back to our town government and allow the people to have a voice again.

If you would like to reach Brendan, please contact the Chair of the Durham Republican Town Committee at: DurhamGOPChair@gmail.com

The full slate of Durham Republican candidates.

Paid for by Durham Republican Town Committee, Nancy Cuomo, Treasurer.