Month: January 2016

State Police K9 Gets Body Armor

#MIDDLETOWN CT – January 8, 2016 – Connecticut State Police’s K-9 Asher will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest is sponsored by
Wagging Tails Pet Sitting and Mobile Grooming of of Southington, CT and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Donated by Wagging Tails Pet Sitting & Mobile Grooming.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

K9 Asher has been assigned to Trooper First Class Jessica Colburn for two years and is currently working at Troop A in Southbury. K9 Asher is a three-year-year-old German Shepard who is trained in all patrol functions including tracking, building searches, evidence recovery, apprehension, obstacles and obedience. K9 Asher is also a Human Remains Detection Dog on the Search and Rescue Team.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA., whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United
States. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four -legged K9 partners. Through private and corporate donations, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., has provided more than 1,700 protective vests in 49 states at a cost of more than $1.6 million. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate. The suggested donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has an average weight of 4-5 pounds and has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible
donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

(Connecticut State Police Press Release)

State Website Fights Waste, Fraud and Abuse: Public’s Help Needed

The State of Connecticut has launched a website to help its efforts at fighting fraud, waste and abuse that cost state programs tens of millions of dollars each year.

“FightFraud.ct.gov” is a one-stop source to both (a) educate the public on what constitutes waste, fraud and abuse in government programs, and (b) make it easier for the public to report suspicious conduct.

The user-friendly website is an outgrowth of the state’s Interagency Fraud Taskforce. Governor Malloy created the Task Force in 2013 to coordinate efforts by 13 state agencies and strengthen the state’s ability to identify, investigate, prosecute and recover state funds.

An important part of the website provides ways for the public to report suspected wrongdoing in tax filings, health care, anti-trust violations, unfair competition, workers’ compensation and more.

Since November 2013 the state has identified and recovered tens of millions of dollars in funds from fraudulent practices in the multi-billion dollar Medicaid program, by enhancing the state’s False Claims Act and hiring a high-tech firm to help detect patterns of Medicaid fraud.

“The state has been making a major effort to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse,” said Ben Barnes, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. “Agencies work with the Attorney General and Chief State’s Attorney to make sure we root out fraud and recover public funds. This website asks the people of Connecticut to join our fight. The public is our first and best defense against theft of state resources. Together, we can make sure our programs have the integrity they demand, while dedicating resources to people who really need them. This is a zero tolerance state when it comes to fraud.”

“My office works very closely with our agency and law enforcement partners to protect state programs, and the taxpayers who fund them, from fraud,” said Attorney General George Jepsen. “The public plays an important role in our work, and the state’s new Fight Fraud Web site offers helpful resources for individuals who believe they have information about fraudulent activity and want to join in the task force’s efforts to stop it.”

“The Division of Criminal Justice is committed to doing all that we can to assure that the limited resources available for programs that help people are spent as intended. We thank the Department of Social Services and the Office of the Attorney General for making our fraud detection programs a truly collaborative and successful effort,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.
(State Of Connecticut Press Release)

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On January 8, 2016, Norwalk Police, Norwalk Animal Control and the Norwalk Health Department responded to 14 Ohio Avenue at the request of the Norwalk Fire Department. The Norwalk Fire Department had been called to the scene for a broken water pipe/flooding condition in the house and had found the residence to be in deplorable condition. The Fire Department also found a dog living in the residence. While Animal Control was investigating, the owner of the residence arrived at the scene. It was determined that the owner had not checked on the dog and a cat, which was not located,in two weeks but stated that she had someone checking on the animals for her. There was no water or food observed and the floors were covered in animal feces and urine, which made it difficult to breath. Animal Control determined that the conditions were unfit for the animals, which the owner Amanda Calabrese surrendered to Norwalk Animal Officer at the scene.

Arrest: Amanda Calabrese 26, of 14 Ohio Avenue Norwalk Charge: Cruelty to Animals Court Date: January 20, 2016

(Norwalk Police Press Release)

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Nick will be open Friday, the day after Thanksgiving!

Stratford EMS Ceremony

#Stratford CT–Saturday the Stratford EMS conducted an Honor Guard Graduation, Remembrance Ceremony plaque dedication,and new ambulance dedication.  Graduating was -Volunteer EMT, Lauren Botsford, -Volunteer EMT/Supervisor, Scott Burton. Volunteer EMT, Kevin Callahan – Lt Commander, Volunteer EMT, Tom Hallas, -Volunteer EMT/Supervisor, Chris Mancini – Sergeant-Volunteer EMT, Jeff Shaw.  

Paramedic, Mike Paoletto (Honor Guard Commander) orchestrated the event with his cadets. Administrator Kevin Giasullo “MC’d” the event. Director Michael Loiz gave the memorial plaque dedication and Mayor John Harkins participated in “jacketing” the new graduates with their new Class-A jacket.

There were several local dignitaries present including Rep. Sredzinski, Rep. McGorty and Rep. Hoydick including other regional EMS and Public Safety service chiefs and representation. Both the Stratford Fire Department and Police Department Honor Guards were also present and participated in the event.

Bridgeport News: Fire Victim Donation Pick Up

The Shipyard located at  837 Seaview Avenue will accept all Charles Street and Frenchtown Road Fire Victim families to collect clothing and furnishings through Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 10am to 1pm.  After the needs of the victims and their families are met, City of Bridgeport Mayor’s office will hold a Citywide Community Outreach distribution of remaining items on Saturday, January 16, 2015 from 10am to 1pm at the Shipyard.

Charles Street Fire remains photographed Friday, January 8th.
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