After a year of testing and evaluation, the Stratford Police Department has issued body cameras to its patrol force. The cameras are being used during all calls for service. The cameras are another tool to assist officers with investigations. Camera footage will be used during case review, documentation of evidence, recording of statements and keeping a record of day to day interactions between police and the public.
The Stratford Police Department is dedicated to providing quality service to the town and its residents. This new technology will aid us in our goal to continually improve service.
STRATFORD, CT (July 26, 2017) — Last year, the Stratford Health Department developed a tool to help connect neighborhood food pantries with backyard gardeners wishing to share their excess homegrown produce with neighbors in need.
The website – www.townofstratford.com/DonateProduce – allows gardeners who find themselves with excess produce and want to share part of their harvest with others the ability to find information about local pantries along with the days and times donations will be accepted. Additionally, the website offers a list of healthy non-perishable food donation suggestions for those who want to become involved in the movement, but may not garden.
Along with the website, the Stratford Health Department is continuing its partnership with The Farm at Stratford Community Garden located at Pirhala Fields Park on Connors Lane to collect and distribute produce donations. The sign containing information about produce donations can be seen at the entrance of the farm along with our trusting donation bin where community garden patrons can leave produce for a Wednesday morning pick up. Our Health Department staff will continue in the collection and distribution of fresh produce to local food pantries each week.
As of 2016, an estimated 12% of Connecticut residents were considered food insecure; relying on local pantries to help feed their families. The donations being given from backyard gardeners are helping many Stratford pantries meet the growing demands while giving residents healthier food options to choose from.
“The Resource Connection’s food pantry at Sterling House strongly believes in providing our customers the opportunity to receive fresh produce,” states Sterling House Social Worker Samuel Jimenez, “our customers express to us that fresh produce is not an option but rather a necessity for healthy eating and sustaining an overall healthy lifestyle, that many times over is not afforded to them to have, due to high prices at their local grocery retailers. Knowing that they are able to access fresh produce through a community-based initiative for free is not only exciting, but crucial for optimum well-being.”
For more information on the campaign or to find out how you can add your pantry to the food donation directory contact the Stratford Health Department at 203-385-4090 or healthdepartment@townofstratford.com.
#Stratford, Connecticut – The Stratford Health Department announced that the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported Culex pipiens mosquitoes trapped at Beacon Point on July 19th, 2017 have tested positive for West Nile Virus. “This is about the time of year we see positive WNV-carrying mosquitos,” said Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health, “Take quick and easy steps to prevent exposure and bites like wearing long sleeves, especially at dawn and dusk and use insect repellent.” Christina Batoh, Stratford’s Environmental Conservation Administrator noted that the Town started treating for mosquitos in early June using a biological larvicide. “All 5,281 catch basins were treated. The treatment attacks at larval stage so they never grow into adult mosquitos and lasts several weeks.” Dr. Batoh noted that the second treatment occurred at the end of July. Town of Stratford will likely treat again in late August.
Every year the Health and Conservation Departments join forces to get the word out through press releases and social media to provide residents a list of precautions everyone can take, highlighting that people’s best defense is to get rid of standing water in flower pots, bird baths, trash cans and their lids, anything that collects water, effectively removing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Dr. Batoh added that “the best way to reduce your risk of being exposed is to keep mosquitoes out of your home: secure your window and door screens.” Added precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to decrease mosquito activity around your home include:
Tip over items in your recycle bin that can collect water.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
Clear clogged gutters.
Drill holes in bottom of recycling containers.
For commercial properties with flat roofs, check for standing water to reduce mosquito-
breeding sites.
Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Be sure door and windows screens are tight fighting and in good repair.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods
of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made
tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to
protect small babies when outdoors.
Consider using DEET-containing mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors.
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus and become ill will have a mild illness that
may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash. Rarely, people
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH develops a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have
severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also has information for the public on mosquito surveillance control and mosquito-borne diseases. This information can be accessed on their website http://www.caes.state.ct.us For more information on West Nile Virus and mosquito control, please visit the Stratford Health Department’s website at www.townofstratford.com/health.
#Stratford CT–This week the children at Creative Starts Learning Center (2189 Barnum Avenue) had received a special visit from Officer Steve and Officer McNeil from the Stratford Police Department. Officer Steve brought his partner K-9 dog named Logan with him. We learned that Logan speaks Dutch, and his sense of smell is way more accurate than ours. We also learned that Logan helps Officer Steve find the bad guys, and rescue people! Officer McNeil taught us about everyday safety, and give us our own Police booklets with crayons to take home.
3AMish–#Stratford CT–Joseph Segui age 23 of Ansonia was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Drive Right after he crashed his car into a residence at 1734 Broadbridge Avenue. The incident occurred shortly after 3am on July 9 th . There were no injuries reported. The front porch of the residence was damaged as a result of the crash as was a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence.
Segui was able to post bond and he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on 07-18- 2017.
#Trumbull CT– On June 21, 2017, Trumbull Police apprehended David Gonzalez, age 24 of Success Avenue Stratford, on an arrest warrant for numerous domestic violence charges stemming from an incident on June 11, 2017 with his ex-girlfriend. The 21 year old victim reported to police that her car had broken down on Quarry Road in Trumbull. She called her ex-boyfriend, Gonzalez (whom police learned she had a protective order with from a December 2016 incident) to help her but when he arrived, he allegedly became angry after seeing evidence from her phone of conversations with another man. Gonzalez reportedly took the woman’s keys and phone from her. The victim said she entered Gonzalez’s car to attempt to retrieve them, but Gonzalez began to punch her and began driving away with her in the car. Gonzalez prevented the victim from escaping while he drove to downtown Bridgeport. The victim told police that during the time she was in the car with him, Gonzalez punched her many times in the face and body, struck her on her ankle with a wrench to prevent her from running away and wrapped an electrical cord around her neck and strangled her, until she reportedly struck and clawed at his face to make him stop. Gonzalez eventually pushed the victim out of his car near Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport. The victim had visible injuries consistent with her statement.
On June 21, Police located Gonzalez at his place of work and arrested him.
Charges: 1st Degree Kidnapping 2nd Degree Assault 2nd Degree Strangulation Criminal Violation of a Protective Order Disorderly Conduct
David Gonzalez was help on a $250,000 Bond with a court date of June 22, 2017.
9:45pm–#Stratford CT– Firefighters on scene of a house fire at 265 Peace Street on the second floor in the back. Police were first on scene and made sure everyone got out.
