Author: Stephen Krauchick

9:50am–#Bridgeport CT–Report of a crash at Wood and North Avenue with possible injuries.  First responders on scene.

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#Middletown, CT– Department of Emergency Services and Public ProtectionCommissioner Dr. Dora Schriro today announced the appointment of Major Alaric J. Fox to Colonel, MajorGeorge Battle to Lieutenant Colonel, Office of Field Operations, Major Edwin S. Henion to Lieutenant

Colonel, Office of Professional Standards and Support Services, and Major David Rosado to Lieutenant Colonel, Office of Administrative Services, within the Division of State Police. The reorganization of Senior Command from one to three Lieutenant Colonels is designed to enhance the division’s execution of activities and outcomes and its span of control, while achieving a net reduction in Command personnel and a significant cost savings to the department.   “I am delighted to announce the appointments of Colonel Fox and Lieutenant Colonels Battle, Henion, and Rosado to their new leadership posts,” said Commissioner Schriro. “They are all are exceptional individuals, each one an outstanding public servant who has dedicated his career to ensuring the public’s safety and wellbeing. Their knowledge, skills, and abilities are outstanding and their collective leadership and experience will be invaluable to state troopers and the people of Connecticut alike, as they address the many issues and opportunities we face today, and advance the state police force forward.”

Colonel Fox is a 22-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. He has worked as a Patrol Trooper, a Resident Trooper, a Training Academy Staff Instructor, a Patrol Sergeant, and a Sergeant on the Commissioner’s Staff. In 2004, Colonel Fox was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, thereafter serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop C-Tolland, and the State Police Training Academy. In 2010, Colonel Fox was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served as the Commanding Officer of the Bureau of Selections and Training and later the Professional Standards Unit. In 2011, Colonel Fox was promoted to the rank of Major where he most recently served as the Chief of Staff to Colonel Brian Meraviglia. Colonel Fox began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Willimantic Police Department and then as an FBI Agent. Colonel Fox holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New  Haven and a Juris Doctorate from Western New England College School of Law. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Virginia.

Lieutenant Colonel Battle is a 28-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. He has worked as a Patrol Trooper, Detective, and Resident Trooper Sergeant. In 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Battle was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served as Commanding Officer of Troop I-Bethany and then Troop W-Bradley Airport, and in the Office of Administrative Services. In 2010, Lieutenant Colonel Battle was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served in Western District Headquarters, Professional Standards, and the Bureau of Field Technology, Infrastructure, and Transportation. In 2015, Lieutenant Colonel Battle was promoted to the rank of Major where he most recently served in the Bureau of Business Development. Lieutenant Colonel Battle holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Western New England College, a Master’s Degree from Quinnipiac University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Lieutenant Colonel Henion is a 26-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. He has worked as a Patrol Trooper, Resident Trooper, Sergeant and Master Sergeant. In 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Henion was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served as Commanding Officer of Troop B-North Canaan, Western District Major Crime, Motor Vehicle Fraud Task Force, and Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Colonel and Commissioner. In 2011, Lieutenant Colonel Henion was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served as Executive Officer of the Western District and Commanding Officer of Labor Relations. In 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Henion was promoted to the rank of Major responsible for Labor Relations. Lieutenant Colonel Henion holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Connecticut State University and a Juris Doctor from Western State University.

Lieutenant Colonel Rosado is an 18-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police. He has worked as a Patrol Trooper at Troop I-Bethany and the Legal Affairs Unit.  In 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served as the Commanding Officer of the Labor Relations Unit. In 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Rosado was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served as Commanding Officer of Troop W- Bradley Airport and Troop H-Hartford. In 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Rosado was promoted to the rank of Captain where he served as Commanding Officer of the Internal Affairs Unit. In 2015, Lieutenant Colonel Rosado was promoted to the rank of Major where he served as Commanding Officer of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and currently serves as Commanding Officer for the Central District. Lieutenant Colonel Rosado holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut and a Juris Doctor from the University Of Connecticut School Of Law, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.    Colonel Fox and Lieutenant Colonels Battle, Henion, and Rosado will assume their new assignments on April 1.

(Connecticut State Police Press Release)

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“Walking a day in their shoes” took on a new meaning for Town of Westport elected officials.  For a good part of the day, two members of the Board of Finance and four members of the RTM traded their normal weekend clothes for firefighting gear as they participated in the Westport Fire Fighters Fire OPS 101. This program includes hands-on firefighting and rescue operations under controlled supervision of Westport’s professional fire fighters. Participants learned exactly how challenging it is to keep our communities safe.

The five “recruits” started their day in the training room at fire headquarters as firefighter and Local 1081 President Nick Marsan described what their day would be like, from the turnout gear they would be wearing for most of the day, to the current staffing, responses and responsibilities of the Town’s fire department.

Once the recruits had donned their firefighting gear, they were ushered outside to a waiting van that transported them to the training house on Greens Farms Road, a house slated for demolition, graciously donated by a local builder to allow firefighters to experience realistic training scenarios. The six recruits were put through three evolutions; search and rescue which included rescue of two occupants from the smoke filled house, hose line advancement for fire control, and finally a vehicle extrication evolution that entailed use of hydraulic rescue tools as well as hand tools. Each participant learned how to use self-contained breathing apparatus, essential to breathing in heavy smoke, the benefits of using a thermal imaging camera that detects heat to search for victims inside a structure and just how challenging it is to operate in zero visibility.

By the end of the day and after a short break for lunch, the six board members had a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Westport firefighters and the varied types of emergencies handled by firefighters on a daily basis. First Selectman James Marpe also attended the drill as did a few family members of participating board members. We would like to congratulate all of our participants for taking time out of their busy schedules to be a part of this valuable experience and also extend appreciation to all of the professional firefighters who spent their time organizing and delivering a great program.

9:22pm–#Bridgeport CT–A pursuit starting on Route 8/25 down Fairfield Avenue, onto Washington Avenue, hit the police car and on I-95 now back on Fairfield Avenue.

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5:11pm–#cttraffic–#Westport CT– A crash in the left breakdown lane I-95 northbound near exit 18 quickly causing backups.  No word on injuries.

3:52pm–#cttraffic–#Fairfield CT–A pickup truck and car crash on Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58) at Samp Mortar Road.

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1:27pm–#cttraffic–#Bridgeport CT–A crash at exit 2 a 2 car crash not causing any delays at this time.  I’m sure when first responders arrive there will be rubbernecking in both directions.