Union Rallies After Town Terminates Two Injured Firefighters

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BRIDGEPORT, CT — Chants of “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!” echoed through Stratford’s Main Street as union members and supporters rallied today in defense of two firefighters who were recently terminated while on extended injury leave. The protest, organized by the union, aimed to draw attention to what they call an unjust decision by the town to terminate the employees before they had a chance to recover and return to duty.

Union President Steven Michalovic addressed the crowd, stating, “We’re out here today in support of two of our members who were terminated by the town last Friday. Both members have been off on a job injury leave for quite a bit of time, and unfortunately, the town has decided to terminate their employment prior to them reaching the ability to return back to work.”

According to Michalovic, the town’s official statement claimed that the employees were given a choice between retirement and termination. However, he firmly rejected that account, stating, “No option was provided to them. The only option listed in their termination letter was that they could apply for unemployment.”

Michalovic also revealed that for over a year, the union—through legal counsel—had been trying to set up a meeting with the town to discuss the future employment of one of the injured firefighters, but said those requests were repeatedly ignored.

State Representative Michael Quinn, expressed his frustration that legislation aimed at protecting workers in such situations did not pass this year. “I’m sorry that we didn’t get it done this year,” he said. “And I’m really upset that these two firefighters were the casualty of our efforts.”

The rally underscored growing tensions between labor advocates and local government, with union members calling for transparency, fairness, and a renewed focus on protecting injured workers from premature termination.

Fairfield Launches “Safe Streets” Campaign to Promote Safer Roads for All

Fairfield, CT — The Town of Fairfield and the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance have officially launched the “Safe Streets” Campaign, a town-wide initiative aimed at promoting safer and more respectful behavior on the roads, whether driving, biking, walking, or using e-bikes and scooters. The campaign will kick off with a community event and press conference on Monday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m. outside the Fairfield Main Library at 1080 Old Post Road.

The event will feature First Selectman Bill Gerber, Governor Ned Lamont, officials from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, Acting Fire Chief Kyran Dunn, Riverfield Elementary School Principal Mary Rose Dymond, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Demonstrations will include safety vehicles, educational displays, and videos. Residents will be encouraged to sign the Safe Streets Pledge, committing to safe driving, sharing the road, avoiding distractions, and modeling responsible behavior.

Free lawn signs, car magnets, stickers for children, and refreshments from Alina’s Cakes & Cookies will be available. Attendees can also enter a raffle to win a Trek kids’ bike. The campaign will continue throughout the summer with pop-up events and ongoing community outreach in neighborhoods, schools, and business districts.

The Safe Streets campaign was made possible through a grant from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) and support from sponsors, including Penske Automotive Group, Minuteman Press, WSHU Radio, Trek Bikes, and A2V Media. No taxpayer dollars have been used for the campaign.

The Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance is a coalition of town departments and organizations, including police, fire, health, public schools, the library, the First Selectman’s Office, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. The Alliance’s mission is to make Fairfield’s streets safer for everyone and aligns with Fairfield’s commitment to the Vision Zero Pledge to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2034.

More information is available at: Fairfield Road Safety.

Impersonating an Officer Scam Alert

Below is a statement from the Norwalk Police Department:

The Norwalk Police Department is investigating several reports of a scam involving an individual impersonating a Norwalk Police Officer. The caller falsely claims that the recipient has missed a court appearance and must pay a fine immediately. In at least one instance, the impersonator used the name “Jason Wilson.” This individual is not a Norwalk Police Officer.

Please be advised that the Norwalk Police Department will never call or solicit money for missed court appearances or any legal matter. These calls are fraudulent.

If you have received a call of this nature or become a victim of this scam, we urge you to report it by contacting our dispatch at (203) 854-3113.

Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111
Anonymous Internet Tips: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous Text Tips: Text “NORWALKPD” followed by your message to TIP411 (847411)

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