Author: Stephen Krauchick

Whitney Houston, the iconic American singer whose battles with drugs, alcohol and ex-husband Bobby Brown marred her star power, has died. She was 48.  Houston’s publicist confirmed the singer’s death to ABC News. The cause of death is not yet known.  Read full story……….

The Stratford Arts Guild will hold an Art in the Studio sale and exhibit Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Roger Salls Photography Studio, 80 Ferry Blvd., Suite 106.  There is open to the public and there is no charge. Enjoy fine art, wine and cheese!

Service Dog “Lola” from its ranks. Lola is an all-black German Shepherd, and is trained in patrol
work, tracking, and narcotic detection. After 10 years of service, and over 1000 arrests to her credit, Lola will be ending her service for the town of Westport and its citizens.

Lola first joined the police department in 2002 and was handled by then Officer Foti Koskinas until his promotion in 2007. Officer Marc Heinmiller then took over the responsibilities as handler and caretaker of Lola until her retirement in January of this year. Lola leaves behind a legacy that includes: numerous drug seizures, criminal apprehensions, the finding of the lost or missing, and
the relationships she has made with many of the youth in town who have attended one of her
many public demonstrations.

Some highlights of her career include:

In 2003, Lola assisted the Fairfield Police department in locating a suicidal male in the
area of Lake Mohegan. Lola started the search from the man’s vehicle and tracked to his
location along the edge of the lake.
A year later, Lola located a burglary suspect who had broken the windows to a residence,
and fled on foot. He was located by Lola hiding in the back seat of an unlocked vehicle
several streets away.
Tens of Thousands of dollars in cash seizures and several vehicles seized in association with
narcotic enforcement. Recently, $3,200 was seized assisting the Connecticut State Police in
a drug search on a motor vehicle stop.

Recently her services were requested by the Wilton Police Department after a suspect with
a felony warrant ran from officers. A track done by Lola led officers to a wooded area. Lola
alerted on the area and began barking. The suspect stood up several feet from the officers
and gave up with without any aggression, or combative behavior towards officers.

Often, Lola’s mere presence was enough to cause the most violent offender to become passive and
submit to officers without violence. Conversely, Lola’s presence in front of the 5th grade students
of the department’s DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program elicited smiles and curiosity.
Lola would demonstrate for the kids how she would search for drugs, and show how well trained
she is at obedience.

Lola will retire to Officer Marc Heinmiller’s home, and live out her days enjoying her family there.

The Police Department recognizes the importance of having a Patrol Dog for the town of Westport,
and quickly wants to get a new dog up and running. The Westport Police K-9 Unit is primarily run
off donations from the community, and would not be in existence if it were not for the generous
support of a number of benefactors.

Dr. Joan Poster of Poster Animal Hospital has been providing all medical care, preventatives,
medications, vaccines, etc… for the police dogs at no charge. She works with others,
including Bill Mitchell from “Mitchells of Westport,” to make sure all the food costs
associated with the Police Dogs is at no cost as well.
Joy Dunlop, from The Hazel – Dell foundation had been a longtime supporter of our unit
until her passing recently. Her annual donations helped get equipment and training for the
Unit.  John Mancinelli from Earth Animal of Westport has spearheaded our fundraising program
this year.

Even with the support we are getting, we still need more help. The costs associated with the
purchase of a new police dog can be close to $10,000. The WPD K9 unit had set fundraising goals
to pay for the new dog, as well as new equipment to protect the investment. We are asking
for the community’s help to meet these goals. For more information on the WPD K9 Unit go to

www.westportct.gov. Look for Specialized Units under the police department page.

We are now in the process of looking at dogs for selection and training. These dogs are bred for
police work, and come with some amount of training already. The only thing they do not come
with is a name. For the first time, we are inviting the youngsters of our community to come up
with a name for the new police dog. “Name drop boxes” will be placed at Earth Animal, 606 Post
Road East (across from fresh market), and the Westport Police Department Lobby. Please submit
one male name, and one female name in the box. If your name is chosen, you and the police dog
will have your picture professionally taken together, and framed. One picture will be provided
to you, and one will be hung inside the Westport Police Department. You will also receive a
certificate from the Chief of Police.

If you wish to support the K9 Unit, please make your donations to:
The Westport Police K9 Unit
50 Jesup Rd
Westport CT, 06880

Earlier Thursday two firefighters were injured battling a blaze on East Main Street. At an accident scene my mind was on the condition of Lt. Peter Morotto and firefighter Pat Burlinson so I had to ask Assistant Fire Chief Dominick Carfi their condition. They will be in pain for awhile, not life threatening but they will be in pain from a flash over they encountered in their attempt to rescue someone they thought was trapped in apartment fire.

Seat belts saved some lives in Bridgeport when a single car crashed into a utility pole on Railroad Avenue near Howard Avenue just before 11pm Thursday night. Assistant Fire Chief Dominick Carfi told us that the pole was snapped but a metal riser supported the pole. One man got himself out of the wreck but the two other occupants had to extricated by firefighters. All three were taken to local hospitals.

BRIDGEPORT — Two firefighters were injured Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out in an East Main Street building. The firefighters were injured from a flash that erupted from the blaze, according to scanner dispatches. The two were rushed to     READ FULL STORY…..

A fire that started on a vacant second floor apartment chased tenants in this 3 family home into the cold Tuesday night around 8:30pm.  When fire units arrived they reported heavy fire in the rear of the structure.  A couple of hand lines knocked the blaze out and firefighters worked at opening walls and siding checking for extensions.  Jean Sureany was chased out after a neighbor banged on his door to alert him of the fire.  Assistant Fire Chief Robert Morton told us that although the fire was reported out he did not like what he saw in the attic area and had it opened up to ensure the fire didn’t extend up there.  The smoke chased Cindy Mason out of her 3rd floor apartment, she tried to go back after her cat but was persuaded by firefighters not to go back.  Firefighters found her cat alive and well and closed it in a bedroom for safekeeping. It was uncertain at the time if the tenants would be able to return to their homes or if they would have to be relocated.   There were no injuries in the incident.  Firefighters did not leave the scene until after midnight.

BRIDGEPORT, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) is announcing his third annual “Valentines for Vets” program, which collects valentines made by Fourth District children to deliver to local veterans. This year’s valentines will be taken to the local VA hospital, Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, and other service organizations. Himes traditionally visits a participating school to make cards with students, and veterans accompany him to share stories about their service.

“I have seen how appreciative veterans are when someone sincerely thanks them for their service and know they are incredibly grateful for the many beautiful cards they receive,” Himes said. “This is a great chance for kids to learn about the sacrifice our men and women in uniform make while also brightening someone’s day.”

Anyone who would like to participate in this year’s Valentines for Vets program should call Peter Yazbak in Himes’s Bridgeport office at (866) 453-0028. Valentines may also be mailed to or dropped off at either of Himes’ district offices by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012.

Amy and Mark Denicore are headed to a full-blown trial to defend themselves against charges that they violated Virginia law by making their kids late to elementary school too often.  The Denicores are each charged with three Class 3 misdemeanors, each of which carries a maximum fine of $500. Their three children, ages 6, 7 and 9, have been late to school almost 30 times since September. Most of their tardies were three minutes or less.   Read full story……..

Westport–A change of landscape in Westport as construction crews are dismantling the former Curran Cadillac dealer at 561 Post Road East.  We are told Terrain, a eco-friendly garden and a patio supply store will be taking its place.  Curran Cadillac was in business for over 40 years.