Month: January 2018

Governor Announces Broadband For Emergencies

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced his decision to accept the State of Connecticut into the federal First Responder Network Authority plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community.  Known as FirstNet, the state-of-the-art technology will connect first responders to a highly secure, wireless broadband network and enhance communications during emergency and disaster response situations.

In order to inform his decision, Governor Malloy created a working group of subject matter experts and the state went through a competitive RFP process.  The Governor took the advisement of the working group and came to the conclusion that opting in would best serve the interests of the people of Connecticut.

“When disaster strikes, communication is critical to the safety of Connecticut residents,” Governor Malloy said.  “After careful analysis and consideration of the FirstNet proposal, it became clear that opting in was in the best interests of our state and our first responders.  This network will enhance communications for Connecticut’s first responders by providing priority access during disasters or emergencies.”

“Connecticut knows first-hand how important it is that our first responders and emergency management personnel are able to access real-time updates and information,” Lt. Nancy Governor Nancy Wyman said.  “This system will add to our communications capabilities and assist those front-line individuals so they can protect the public safety and their own.”

“I would like to thank Governor Malloy for opting into the FirstNet plan and providing Connecticut’s first responder community with this important communication tool,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora Schriro said.  “Every minute matters when lives are at stake and this dedicated network will provide reliable communications to our first responders.”

“Through a competitive process that involved broad representation, we believe that FirstNet will provide the critical capabilities that our first responders need today and a sustainable way to bring innovation to these important public servants for years to come,” Connecticut’s Chief Information Officer Mark Raymond said.

“We’re honored to bring FirstNet to Connecticut and help transform public safety communications within the state,” AT&T Connecticut President John Emra said.  “I’d like to thank Governor Malloy for his leadership and commitment to public safety.  His decision will not only usher in a new era of public safety for his state, but it will also give Connecticut’s first responders immediate access to the critical communications tools they need to keep themselves and those they serve safe.”

FirstNet is a product of the U.S. 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that a dedicated public safety interoperable, nationwide mobile broadband network be created to enable continued communication during a disaster or other large-scale event or emergency.  In order to fulfill its mandate, FirstNet put out an RFP for which AT&T was the successful bidder.  Under federal law, each state, including Connecticut, had to either opt into the FirstNet/AT&T system or opt out and build its own system.

 

This press release is made possible by:

Connecticut State Troopers Warn of Scam Using “Connecticut State Police” Name

#Middletown, CT (January 2, 2018): Connecticut State Troopers warn residents of a scam using the “Connecticut State Police” name. The Connecticut State Police has learned that the Connecticut State Police name is being used in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money from victims. A victim was contacted by an unknown person claiming that a personal check written by the victim, made payable to the Connecticut State Police, bounced. The unknown person provided the victim a “case number” and claimed that the alleged bad check was in reference to a payday loan. The unknown person informed the victim that payment was now owed for the “bounced check.” The Connecticut State Police does not process payday loans and offers residents tips should they receive a similar call:

*If you did not write a check to the Connecticut State Police do not provide any information and hang up.
*If you did write a check, do not provide any information and hang up. Directly contact the unit you would have
written the check to and confirm the status of your check. Some of the units include, but are not limited to,
Connecticut State Police Reports & Records, Fingerprints, Criminal Records (background check) or the Special
Licensing & Firearms Unit (pistol permits & guard cards).
*Do not call any phone numbers provided by the scammer.
*Do not visit any websites provided by the scammer.
*Do not send emails to email addresses provided by the scammer.
*Do not provide credit/debit card information, bank account information, purchase money cards/gift cards and
provide the card and PIN number, or wire money.

For more fraud safety tips and information please visit the Federal Trade Commission website:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10- things-you- can-do- avoid-fraud

 

This press release was made possible by:

Norwalk News: Narcotics Arrest

#Norwalk CT–On December 20, 2017, members of the Norwalk Police Department Special Services Division served three arrest warrants for Sara Flavin. The arrest warrants were the result of a narcotics investigation conducted by Officer Suda. Flavin was arrested during a car stop on Main Avenue.
Arrested: Sara Flavin, 32 of 19 Slocum Street Norwalk
Warrant one charges: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Sale of Narcotics and
Failure to keep Narcotic in Original Container
Warrant two charges: Possession of a Controlled Substance, Sale of Narcotics and
Failure to keep Narcotic in Original Container
Warrant three charges: Possession of Narcotics and Sale of Narcotics:
Bond: $750,000

Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111
Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NPD” into the text field, followed by the
message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637)

(Norwalk Police Press Release)

#Westport Career Coach

Elaine Daignault, Director of the Westport Department of Human Services announces the return of the American Job Center Southwest’s (formerly known as CTWorks) Career Coach at Westport Town Hall.  On Thursday, January 11, the Coach will offer a beginner’s class in Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 from 10 a.m. – noon, followed by an intermediate class in PowerPoint 2013 from 1 – 3 p.m.

The Career Coach is a “training center” tour bus equipped with ten wireless computer labs offering free computer classes to residents in the greater Norwalk area.  The mobile unit operates on a monthly schedule of visits to various community locations and is accessible to people with disabilities.

Area residents interested in registering should contact the Westport Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or via e-mail athumansrv@westportct.gov.   For more information, including the current Career Coach schedule, check the website for American Job Center Southwest at http://www.ajcswct.com.

Ms. Daignault stated, “I hope that by offering the American Job Center Southwest’s Career Coach in the Westport area, many residents who wish to improve their computer skills will find it convenient and useful in pursuing their personal goals.”

Please note the Career Coach classes will be canceled if schools are canceled or delayed due to inclement weather.

 

This press release is made possible by:

Norwalk News: Shooting Arrest

 #Norwalk CT-On December 23, 2017, at 1:55 am, officers who were patrolling the parking lot of 50 Washington Street heard several gun shots from the area of the West Washington Street entrance.  Officer Brian Hamm quickly observed a male, identified as Jeffrey Moultrie, acting suspiciously in that immediate area. Officer Hamm ordered Moultrie to stop and remove his hands from his sweatshirt. Moultrie did not comply, however he did drop a handgun onto the pavement and then fled on foot. Officer Hamm captured Moultrie after a short foot chase and the 9mm handgun was recovered. Moultrie was found to have sustained a single gunshot wound to the hip and was subsequently transported to the Norwalk Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Moultrie, who is a convicted felon, was arrested upon his release from the hospital. Sergeant Garrett Kruger observed a vehicle exiting the parking lot onto Martin Luther King Drive at a high rate of speed.  Sergeant Kruger stopped the vehicle and found that the male operator had been shot.  The male victim was transported by ambulance to the Norwalk Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Norwalk Detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the incident. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation no further information is being released at this time.  Anyone that witnessed the incident or what led up to the incident is asked to contact detectives at 203-854-3011. Anonymous tips can be left at any of the following contacts:

Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111, Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com, Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to CRIMES (274637)

Arrested: Jeffrey Moultrie, 28 of 65 Monroe Street Stratford

Charges: Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit and Interfering with an Officer

Bond: $100,000

(Norwalk Police Press Release)

 

Bridgeport News: Pension Liability Reduced – Bonds Sold

Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Joe Ganim announced that the city of Bridgeport recently completed a pension bond sale that raised $96,000,000 to pay down a major $200,000,000 long-term unfunded pension liability the city faced covering retirement costs for current and former police officers and firefighters.  This measure will now save Bridgeport taxpayers approximately $2 million per year in net debt service payments for the next 26 years over the life of the bonds, resulting in total savings to taxpayers of approximately $48,000,000.  The bond sale was made possible through special legislation sponsored by the Bridgeport delegation and overwhelmingly adopted by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2017 legislative session.  This gave the city of Bridgeport the statutory authority to issue taxable bonds to pay off more than $200 Million in unfunded pension liability into the Connecticut Municipal Employee Retirement System (CMERS).

“Selling these bonds empowers the city of Bridgeport to eliminate a major piece of unfunded pension liability in a way that is saving taxpayers millions of dollars – a win-win!” said Mayor Joe Ganim.  “This is the kind of outside the box thinking we need to tackle our short and long term fiscal challenges as a city and as a state.  We’re showing we can do this while operating more efficiently and lowering borrowing costs as we search for savings to absorb major state budget cuts.  We could not have completed this significant transaction without the persistent, hard work of the Bridgeport legislative delegation.  We have a great team and I am so thankful for their efforts.  I also want to thank both Democratic and Republican legislative leaders for helping Bridgeport gain the right to take this major step to strengthen and stabilize our municipal finances.”

House Bill No. 7296, “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE FUNDING OF UNFUNDED ACCRUED MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM LIABILITIES BY MUNICIPALITIES,” was proposed by Mayor Ganim’s Administration and introduced by Bridgeport State Representative Steve Stafstrom (D-129).  It achieved significant bipartisan support, passing both the CT House of Representatives and State Senate by wide margins.  It was also backed by State OPM Secretary Ben Barnes, State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, and State Treasurer Denise Nappier. Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed the bill into law in June.

The bond sale was approved by the Bridgeport City Council in August and was coordinated by the Bridgeport Finance Department.  It was underwritten by Morgan Stanley, coordinated with outside financial advisor Public Finance Management, and attorneys from the firm Pullman and Comley as bond counsel for the city.  The bonds were sold with an average interest rate of 4.53%. All bond proceeds will be deposited into the CMERS pension fund at the closing date in early January, ensuring that the CMERS fund has received all outstanding payments due from the City of Bridgeport.  Prior to this legislation, Bridgeport was locked into paying $7.5 Million in amortization payments for the next 26 years into CMERS to cover unfunded pension liability.  This liability was created because the city did not transfer enough assets into the fund when it moved the fire and police pensions to state management in 2013.  The CMERS fund at the time covered the Bridgeport deficiency but charged the city an 8% interest rate on the its annual payments.

“Bridgeport residents continue to be burdened by the city’s high property taxes. By passing legislation that allows the city to restructure some of its unfunded pension liabilities, we are giving our residents some of the financial relief they need. Decreasing the city’s tax burden will help attract new residents and business owners into calling Bridgeport their home,” said state Rep. Jack Hennessy, chairman of the Bridgeport legislative delegation.

“Improving the city’s economic climate by restructuring a portion of our unfunded pension liabilities will allow Bridgeport to enhance its standing as a dynamic and livable city that is able to attract and retain businesses and new residents. This legislation is expected to save Bridgeport taxpayers tens of millions of dollars over the next several years, which will hopefully help the city give homeowners some of the tax relief they need,” said state Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport. 

“At a time when municipalities are feeling the pinch of diminishing state resources, this is very welcomed news,” said state Rep. Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport). “I applaud the hard work by the Bridgeport delegation on this measure and look forward to continued innovative approaches that benefit the city.”

State Rep. Ezequiel Santiago, D-Bridgeport, said, “Any action we take that moves Bridgeport another step towards better financial footing is worthwhile and this sale is a major accomplishment for our beleaguered city taxpayers.  I am proud to work with a delegation that always comes together when it comes to legislative items that improve our economic standing.”

“With an almost evenly split House and Senate, it’s not easy to pass legislation so I really want to send along my sincerest gratitude to my legislative colleagues from across the Connecticut who recognized how important this bill was for the people of Bridgeport and voted in favor of it,” Senator Ed Gomes (D-23) said.

“This is significant financial victory for Bridgeport thanks to the hard work of my colleagues on the state delegation and city leaders,”Senator Marilyn Moore (D-22) said. “I’m proud we were able to work together to save Bridgeport taxpayers millions of dollars.”

 

This press release was made possible by:

Westport News: Cops Stop Wrong Way Driver

#Westport Ct–At approximately 9:15 PM on December 29 th , Officer David Scinto observed a vehicle attempt to enter the Merritt Parkway exit 41 northbound off-ramp traveling southbound. Officer Scinto activated the emergency lights of his police vehicle and quickly followed the vehicle in the wrong direction, cutting in front of it on the ramp to prevent it from entering the highway in the wrong direction. He was able to stop the vehicle and block the ramp, preventing exiting vehicles from striking the suspect vehicle head-on. Officer Scinto directed the suspect vehicle into the nearby commuter lot where he was able to identify the driver as Gina Heckel, 49, of Fairfield, CT.  While speaking with Heckel, Officer Scinto detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage on her breath. Heckel was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which she failed, and was then taken into custody. While retrieving Heckel’s cell phone and purse from her vehicle, Officer Scinto observed a half-empty bottle of vodka inside the car and loose pills inside her purse. He later
learned they were prescription pills, which were not prescribed to Heckel. At headquarters, Heckel was given a breath test, which found her to be over the legal limit.

Heckel was charged with violation of motor vehicle statutes 14-227a Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs and 14-239 Driving the Wrong Way on a Highway. She was additionally charged with 21a-279(a) Possession of Narcotics and 21a-257 Narcotic Possession Only in Original Container. Heckel was released after posting $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Court on 01/08/2018. Officer Scinto’s quick thinking and action prevented what could have been a tragic incident on the highway, not only for the party involved but also for other innocent travelers.

(Westport Police Press Release)

 

Troopers Seize Narcotics, Weapons and Cash Following Traffic Stop

#Bridgeport, CT (December 29, 2017): Connecticut State Troopers arrested a Bridgeport man and seized weapons, narcotics and cash following a traffic stop.  On December 28, 2017 at approximately 4:15 p.m., troopers were conducting motor vehicle enforcement on I-95 in the Bridgeport area when they observed a vehicle with a windshield violation. Troopers stopped the vehicle on Lafayette Street in Bridgeport.
Upon stopping the vehicle, troopers saw the operator reach under the front seat. The operator, Rodney Crawley, was removed from the vehicle and patted down resulting in troopers finding him in possession of a
loaded .380 caliber handgun. Crawley was then taken into custody, at which time 148 bags of crack, 11 bags of marijuana, 10 bags of cocaine and two suboxone strips were also found on Crawley. A backpack was located in Crawley’s vehicle which contained 55 shotgun shells, 190 7.62 millimeter rounds, 58 9 millimeter rounds, a silencer, three empty Glock 9 millimeter magazines, two .22LR magazines and two 25 shot high-capacity magazines.

Crawley was transported to Troop G – Bridgeport where another 9 bags of crack and 1 bag of cocaine was found on Crawley. The total weight of crack cocaine was 15.9 grams, the total weight of the cocaine was 5 grams and the total weight of the marijuana was 5.8 grams. Rodney Crawley (dob 1/26/90) of 1185 Pembroke St., Bridgeport was charged with Windshield/Obstructed View, Operation of Motor Vehicle while Under Suspension, Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell, Illegal Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Cocaine, Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, Weapons in Vehicle, Violation of Large Capacity Magazine, Possession of a Sawed-Off Shotgun or Silencer and Criminal Possession of a Pistol or Revolver. Crawley was held on a $300,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on December 29, 2017.

 

 

Westport New: Firefighters Trained Before Holiday

#Westport CT– Last week Westport firefighters conducted training on some new rescue equipment, at Fire Headquarters. New stabilization and lifting struts were put through their paces in different scenarios as firefighters became familiar with the use and application of the new equipment. Mannequins were used to simulate entrapment of a person under a vehicle. As part of the training, Westport EMS personnel were invited to attend and become part of the realistic scenarios being performed. EMS personnel were able to observe the firefighters performing the extractions, establish their own plans for treatment of the patients based upon expected traumatic injuries and were then able to perform simulated treatment on the patients after removal.
This coordinated and collaborative training between Fire and EMS personnel builds upon the familiarity and trust between the two public safety agencies, each team understanding and respecting each other’s role, in what is often a complex but time-critical event.

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