Commissioner Visits Renovated Boys & Girls Village

#BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – October 8, 2015 – Connecticut Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz Tuesday morning visited the Bridgeport office of Boys & Girls Village (BGV) to tour the agency’s recently-completed renovations. Commissioner Katz was joined by Kenneth Cabral, DCF Region 1 Administrator and Linda Dixon, DCF Adolescent and Juvenile Services Administrator. They were welcomed by BGV President and CEO Dr. Steven M. Kant, BGV COO Dr. Kim Shaunesey and BGV Board Chair Carol Smith Harker.

 

The renovations have significantly upgraded BGV’s facilities in Bridgeport, allowing the organization to be more accessible to a crucial population of children and families in the city and beyond. Bridgeport is the primary site for BGV’s community-based services and the city is home to more than half of the agency’s clients.

 

“The programs we provide in Bridgeport offer families the care and support needed to develop safe and stable home environments, allowing children who are rebuilding their mental and emotional wellbeing to stay within their communities and connected to their primary social and emotional support systems,” said Dr. Kant, who underscored BGV and DCF’s shared vision to keep children at home whenever possible. “Commissioner Katz’s willingness to support innovation and change has not only benefited this agency, it has benefited the children of the State of Connecticut.”

 

“Boys & Girls Village has been such a successful partner because its programs meet the children where their needs are, which makes it possible for these children and their families to maintain permanency,” said Commissioner Katz. “It is DCF’s goal to make sure children are staying home, going home, or finding a home.”

 

Commissioner Katz said as a result of family-strengthening programs like those offered by BGV, DCF has reduced sending children out-of-state to receive care by 97%.

Connecticut State Police Domestic Violence Awarness

 

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of State Police, is honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month by displaying purple magnetic ribbons on all of their marked cruisers. The ribbon states, ‘CSP Cares,” and includes the national DV Hotline number, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

 

“The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection has undertaken important steps to ensure that domestic violence situations are handled in the most comprehensive ways possible. Law enforcement continues to work proactively to improve its response to these serious and unfortunate circumstances,” Governor Malloy said.  “By working with our partners as part of a coordinated system, our State Troopers are making a measurable difference.” “I applaud and thank the  Connecticut State Police on taking this very visible stand against domestic violence,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. “State Troopers are often among the first people a victim of violence sees, how they approach and support victims during their investigation is critical. Connecticut is grateful for their commitment and their expertise.”

 

During FY2015, Connecticut State Troopers responded to 1,381 DV calls for service. In over 50% of those instances the intimate partner was determined to be at heightened risk of harm. When they were offered the opportunity to speak with a DV hotline worker, more than 90% of those victims availed themselves of assistance. “We are committed to combating domestic violence and providing assistance to those most at risk,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora Schriro. “These ribbons provide an important opportunity to increase public awareness and promote the safety and well being of those affected by this all too often deadly crime.”

 

“Our Troopers are dedicated to protecting the victims of domestic violence. We take great pride in working with communities on strategies to protect individuals, especially the children who live in daily fear of verbal and physical abuse,” said State Police Union President Andrew Matthews. “For all who are exposed to domestic violence, know when a State Trooper arrives on scene, we will protect and defend you from the danger and abuse.”

(State Police Press Release)

Westport News: House Fire

8:54 PM–#Westport CT–The Westport Fire department received a call reporting a smoldering wire on the exterior of the house. The initial response was one Engine Company and the Shift Commander. While responding Westport Dispatch advised that the homeowner called back now reporting fire was visible. The assignment was upgraded bringing three additional Engine Companies and the Truck Company from Westport along with Mutual aid companies. The homeowner was instructed to evacuate all family members and wait outside for the Fire Departments arrival.

 

First arriving personnel found fire burning on the exterior of the house above the garage. One hand line was stretched from Engine 2 and extinguished the fire on the outside of the house. The line was re-positioned to the interior of the house to extinguish the fire that had burned through the wall. Truck One overhauled the fire area making sure there was no extension. Engine 5 set up for water supply while Engine 6 searched the house to confirm all occupants were out and to confirm the fire was confined to area of origin. Engine 4 was assigned as the Rapid Intervention Team until the arrival of Mutual aid companies from Fairfield Fire Department. Norwalk Fire department sent one Engine to Westport Fire Head Quarters to cover additional calls.

 

The homeowner reported smelling something burning and noticed smoke on the exterior of the house. Moments later the homeowner noticed fire in the area of the outside light above the garage. The fire is being investigated by the Westport Fire Marshals office. The last Fire department unit cleared at 10:56 PM.   (Westport Fire Department Press Release)

 

Fairfield Police Make Drug Bust

 

A traffic stop lead to an arrest at  operator was stopped in his car at about 6pm in front of the  Pumpkin Patch Preschool is located nearby on the corner of Grasmere and Kings Highway Cutoff.  Arrest  was Avellino, Christian (3/26/67) for:

 Possession of Cocaine (15 small bags)

 Possession with Intent to Sell

 Possession within 1500’ of school

 Weapons in a M/V (blackjack)

K-9 responded to further search the vehicle and located and additional bags of Cocaine (included in total) and $600+ was seized as proceeds of admitted narcotic sales.  Avellino also has an outstanding domestic violence warrant ($20,000 bond) held by Bridgeport Police.  He was held on $10,000 bond.

 

 

 

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