stratford ct

Stratford Health Department To Host Walk N’ Talk Series

The Stratford Health Department, in collaboration with Stratford Parents Place and the Stratford YMCA, will host an upcoming Walk N’ Talk series designed to bring families together for light physical activity, connection, and informal health conversations with community health professionals. The multigenerational event is open to residents of all ages, including children, parents, and grandparents, and offers a fun and welcoming way to enjoy time outdoors while connecting with local health professionals. Participants are encouraged to bring children or grandchildren, with strollers and carriers welcome. The Walk N’ Talk series will be held from 10:00am to 11:00am on the following dates: May 12 – Shakespeare ParkMay 19 – Short BeachMay 26 – Longbrook Park The series is intended to promote…

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Stratford Police Arrest Suspect in April Homicide Investigation

The Stratford Police Department responded to 437 Woodstock Avenue on April 04, 2026 at approximately 2340 hours on report of a disturbance. This incident was determined to be a homicide. Paul T. Balzarano (08-23-1982) was identified as the deceased victim. He died as the result of suffering multiple gunshot wounds. On April 28, 2026, the investigation of this incident culminated with the arrest of Robert Kopasz (07-23-2003). Robert Kopasz is charged with: Murder by Firearm Illegal Possession of an Assault Weapon without a Certificate Illegal Violation of Fire Rate Enhancement (Machine Gun) Illegal Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm Robert Kopasz was issued an April 28, 2026 court date. He is being held in lieu of…

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Stratford Announces Renee Dominguez as Police Chief Following National Search

STRATFORD, CT – Today, Mayor David Chess announced that Renee Dominguez has been selected as Stratford’s new Police Chief. Chief Dominguez will oversee a 112 sworn officer department and help guide the future of public safety and community policing in the town of more than 52,000 residents and will also be the first female police chief in Stratford’s history. “I am thrilled to appoint Renee Dominguez as our next Police Chief,” said Mayor Chess. She brings over 25 years of valuable experience serving in three police departments across Connecticut, where she rose through the ranks and became a respected leader with deep knowledge of law enforcement. She is fully prepared to lead the dedicated men and women who serve and…

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Homicide Investigation Underway on Woodstock Avenue in Stratford

The Stratford Police Department responded to 437 Woodstock Avenue on April 4, 2026, at approximately 1:40 a.m. on a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers determined the disturbance was the result of a homicide. The incident is currently under active investigation by the Detective Bureau. Police have stated this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public at this time. Additional information will be released as the investigation continues.

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Stratford Fire Department Opens Applications for Entry-Level Firefighter Exam

STRATFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR ENTRY LEVEL FIREFIGHTER EXAMThe Town of Stratford seeks qualified applicants for the position of Firefighter. Candidates must take and pass a written exam, an oral examination, a medical exam, a drug screen, a background investigation and a psychological evaluation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSHigh School Diploma or State Equivalency Certificate (GED)18 years old by April 22, 2026.Valid motor vehicle licenseU.S. CitizenPossess a valid (not older than one year) CPAT card at the time of conditional offer.Town will accept accredited out-of-state CPAT certifications.Possess a Certified EMT at the time of conditional offer (State of CT or National Registry EMT)Points awarded toward exams for veterans & residents of the Town of Stratford (documentation must be provided for…

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Stratford Police Arrest Repeat Offender, Seize Gun and Narcotics in Multi-Location Raid

Search Warrant Executions at 24 Enrica Rita Way, Stfd. & 955 Connecticut Ave. Bpt. During the month of January 2026, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice and Intelligence Unit developed intelligence of a mid-level narcotics dealer, supplying narcotics to street-level narcotics dealers within the Town of Stratford and City of Bridgeport.On March 26, 2026, at approximately 0630 hours, the NVI Unit’s investigation culminated with the execution of three search warrants. One at 24 Enrica Rita Way, Stratford, CT, one at the Bridgeport Innovation Center, which is located at 955 Connecticut Avenue, Building One, Suite 1307, 3 rd floor and the person of Ernest Samuel (09-28-1985).Ernest Samuel was taken into custody at 24 Enrica Rita Way, Stratford, CT. Ernest Samuel is…

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Aquarion Announces Mandatory Watering Schedule Through October

Aquarion Announces Annual Water Conservation Schedule Mandatory Twice-Weekly Sprinkler Irrigation Schedule in Effect through October 31 Aquarion Water Company today announced the start of its 2026 sprinkler irrigation schedule, which continues until October 31. The program is mandatory for Aquarion customers in Bethel, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Ridgefield, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. For 2026, the towns/cities of Bridgeport, Monroe, Redding, Shelton, and Stratford have been added. The program helps conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum of two watering days per week. The conservation program also helps to ensure local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection. Since its launch, the sprinkler…

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Bridgeport Firefighter Murdered

UNCONFIRMED sources report that a Bridgeport firefighter was murdered on Feeley Street in Stratford, allegedly involving a girlfriend’s ex in what may be a domestic-related incident. DoingItLocal reached out to a Bridgeport spokesperson, who stated only that “Chief Edwards is aware.” There has been no release from Stratford Police at this time, and details remain limited 2026-03-28@3:00AMish #BreakingNews #StratfordCT #BridgeportCT #FairfieldCounty #ConnecticutNews #DevelopingStory #Unconfirmed #FirstResponders #Firefighter #LocalNews #DoingItLocal #PoliceInvestigation #CTNews

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Stratford Health Department Launches Community Garden Education Workshops

The Stratford Health Department is inviting community members to take part in its Community Garden Education Workshops, a series of hands-on sessions focused on gardening, sustainability, and agricultural skills. The program begins March 31, 2026, and includes both beginner and advanced classes, along with field activities scheduled for May and June. Workshops will be held weekly from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for beginner sessions, followed by advanced classes from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. on March 31, April 7, April 14, April 21, and April 28. Residents interested in learning how to grow their own food and develop practical gardening skills are encouraged to participate. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 203-385-4090 or emailing health@townofstratford.com.

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Fairfield Police Sting Nets Multiple Arrests in Prostitution Solicitation Operation

Fairfield Police Conduct Operation Targeting Solicitation of ProstitutionFairfield, CT — On 3/13/2026, members of the Fairfield Police Department Neighborhood Enforcement Team, Fairfield Detective Bureau, with assistance from the Stratford Police Department Vice Unit, conducted operations targeting individuals soliciting prostitution in Fairfield.On 3/13/2026, the following were charged with Soliciting Sexual Acts: Christopher Birarelli, 39, of TrumbullScott Wootton, 57, of MilfordLuis Torres Pesantez, 49, of White Plains, NYRicardo Nieves, 29, of MonroeTimaury Gay, 21, of BridgeportCesar Rivera, 47, of TrumbullJason Santerre, 43, of SeymourEach individual made arrangements with an undercover officer posing as an escort and traveled to Fairfield where they exchanged or offered money for sexual acts before being taken into custody. All were issued misdemeanor summonses and released on a…

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