Category: Fairfield

POLICE RESPONSE TO HERITAGE SQUARE FIRE

FAIRFIELD, CT — On December 7, 2024, at approximately 4:27 PM, the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 1700 Post Road, Heritage Square Plaza. Upon arrival, first responders observed significant flames and worked diligently to contain and extinguish the fire.

Fairfield Fire Department crews successfully evacuated the building and brought the flames under control, preventing further damage to surrounding properties and ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.

Following a joint investigation by the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department, it was determined that the fire originated from the actions of two individuals who were intentionally attempting to ignite dry leaves within the building’s stairwell. The leaves and other debris ignited, quickly escalating into a large fire that caused approximately $400,000 in damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

On February 2, Samuel Archer (19) of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and on February 3, Henry Hirsch (20) of Ridgefield, CT, were arrested and charged with Arson in the 3rd Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree. They were released on a $50,000 bond each and are scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on February 10, 2025.

This incident underscores the severe consequences of reckless behavior involving fire. Arson is a serious crime that endangers lives, property, and the safety of the community. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department urge all residents to exercise extreme caution when handling flammable materials and to educate young people about the dangers of fire. Preventative measures can save lives and prevent tragedies.

The Fairfield Police Department would like to recognize the swift actions of community members who called 911 and assisted responders in this investigation. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Fairfield Egan Earns High Marks From Nurse.org

The undergraduate nursing program at Fairfield University’s Egan School was ranked among
the nation’s best by Nurse.org., a healthcare platform committed to providing nurses with
trusted education, career, and clinical information to help them advance their careers. 
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (February 3, 2025)—The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and
Health Studies earned top honors in Nurse.org’s ranking of traditional undergraduate
nursing programs. Capturing the #8 position in the Top 10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
(BSN) Programs of 2025, Fairfield Egan ranked ahead of Georgetown University (#9) and
the University of Washington (#10).
“The Egan School is always delighted to receive recognition for its outstanding programs,”
said Dean Meredith Kazer, PhD, APRN, FAAN. “This latest ranking acknowledges our
reputation for educating not only competent and compassionate nurses but also future
leaders in the profession.”
Nurse.org is a prominent online platform that provides news, resources, and educational
content for nurses and aspiring nurses. It receives more than a million visits each month.
The ranking utilized the latest data sets from the National Center for Educational Statistics
and the U.S. Department of Education to assess various factors related to academic quality,
reputation, and affordability.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Fairfield Egan is highly ranked by
several organizations, including U.S. News & World Report (#96) and College Factual (#21).
The Egan School continues to climb in national reputation and rankings due to its low
student-faculty ratio, high retention and graduate rates, outstanding undergraduate
teaching, and larger-than-average salaries for graduates.
Learn more about Fairfield Egan’s BSN program.

Black Rock Coffee House & Kitchen Celebrates Grand Opening in Fairfield

Fairfield, CT – January 31, 2025 – The Fairfield community welcomed a new culinary destination as Black Rock Coffee House And Kitchen (@blackrockcoffeehouseandkitchen) celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2480 Blackrock Turnpike. Chef Lindsay Penev, the heart and soul behind the new establishment, expressed her excitement about becoming part of the vibrant local community.

“I’m very excited to be here and serve everybody in the surrounding areas,” said Chef Lindsay. “One thing I love about being here is that we’re a family. We come together, we’re creative, fresh, and fun. Our goal is to create a gathering place where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and can taste the love in our food.”

Black Rock Coffee House & Kitchen offers a unique culinary experience with halal options and an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The café takes pride in sourcing organic, fair-trade coffee from Sacred Grounds in Sherman, Connecticut, ensuring every cup is crafted with care. The team of skilled baristas is dedicated to making each coffee experience special with their expert artistry.

Adding to the excitement, Black Rock Coffee House & Kitchen is expanding its hours to 8:00 PM, allowing guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is also preparing to unveil a new dinner menu in the near future.

“We cook with a lot of love and passion,” said Chef Lindsay. “I love to help people, and now I get to do that through food. I’m grateful to be here and to serve this wonderful community.”

The ribbon-cutting event was met with enthusiasm from attendees, including First Selectman Bill Gerber, who praised Chef Lindsay’s dedication, courage, and vision.

For more information, visit https://blackrockcoffeeandkitchen.com/.

J.B. Percival Co. Welcomes New Owners with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in Fairfield

Fairfield, CT – J.B. Percival Co., a beloved craft cocktail bar in the heart of Fairfield, celebrated an exciting new chapter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the transition to new ownership. The four new owners, including Clark, Sarah, and J.R., were all dedicated patrons of the bar before seizing the opportunity to take it over in November 2024. The event, attended by local business leaders and members of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, highlighted their commitment to maintaining J.B. Percival Co. as a staple in the community while adding their own creative touches. The bar, located at 63 Unquowa Road, pays tribute to Connecticut’s manufacturing history, incorporating salvaged industrial décor that reflects its original 1920s factory roots.

During the celebration, the new owners shared their enthusiasm for craft cocktails and recommended signature drinks, including their secret-recipe espresso martini, a unique twist on the classic Manhattan, and a selection of Italian bitters and local craft beers. “We’re thrilled to be part of the Fairfield business community and to continue offering a space where people can gather and enjoy great drinks,” said Clark, one of the co-owners. Guests praised the welcoming atmosphere and the dedication of the new team in preserving what makes J.B. Percival Co. special. With a blend of classic and seasonal cocktails, as well as an ever-evolving drink menu, J.B. Percival Co. remains a go-to destination for cocktail lovers in Fairfield.

Fairfield News: Rollover Crash Sparks Investigation

Police are investigating a rollover crash that occurred on North Benson Road by Wakeman Road. It seems to be a one car crash, and the driver was not present when first responders arrived. A crime scene has been set up on North Benson Road between Elm Street and Noyes Road, and is currently impassable to traffic. There is no further information at this time.

POLICE RESPONSE TO INCIDENT INVOLVING HOMEMADE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES

FAIRFIELD, CT – On December 1, 2024, at approximately 12:25 PM, the Fairfield Police Department was notified by an area hospital of a young adult male being treated for significant hand injuries. The injuries were reportedly caused by an explosive device. The patient disclosed to hospital staff that he and a friend had built and detonated multiple homemade explosive devices earlier that day.

A subsequent investigation by our Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, FBI, and Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad revealed that the individuals had constructed four devices using materials purchased online and at retail locations. The devices were later transported to a secluded area in the Pine Creek Marsh where they attempted to detonate them. Two devices were successfully detonated, but the third device exploded prematurely, causing the injuries. The fourth was located at the Pine Creek Marsh and appropriately destroyed by the Stamford Police Bomb Squad.

Fairfield Detectives worked diligently in conjunction with our local and federal law enforcement partners. The Fairfield Police Detective Bureau prepared and submitted arrest warrants to the Bridgeport Superior Court, which were reviewed by the Connecticut State Attorney’s Office. After a thorough evaluation, it was determined there was probable cause to support charges of Breach of Peace in the 1st Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree.

On January 13, 2025, Nathaniel Lennon of Fairfield, CT, turned himself in at the Fairfield Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on January 21, 2025.

On January 14, 2025, Daniel Calarco of Fairfield, CT, turned himself in at the Fairfield Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on January 24, 2025.

Both individuals were charged with Breach of Peace in the 1st Degree and two counts of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree.

This arrest highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community. The Fairfield Police Department is grateful for the invaluable assistance provided by the FBI and the Stamford Police Department Bomb Squad. Their expertise and collaboration were instrumental in resolving this case safely and effectively.

We also want to take this opportunity to remind the public of the serious dangers associated with creating homemade explosive devices. These devices pose a significant risk not only to those handling them but also to the broader community. We urge everyone to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately to prevent potential harm.

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