News

Police Chief: On Veterans Day, Honoring Members of NCPD Who Have Served

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Dear Editor:

Every day, the men and women of the New Canaan Police Department protect and serve our town with great distinction. 

On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, we honor those who pledged to protect and serve our great country-our Veterans. Veterans Day honors the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. Military. 

I want to recognize the following Department members who have served in our military and continue to serve our town:

Commissioner Sperry DeCew-U.S. Army
Lieutenant Bill Ferri-U.S. Army
Lieutenant Jim George-U.S. Army
Sergeant Aaron LaTourette-U.S. Marine Corps
Officer Geoff Lambert- U.S. Marine Corps
Officer Roy Adams-Connecticut Army National Guard
Officer Bryan Connolly-U.S. Coast Guard
Officer Rex Sprosta-U.S. Marine Corps
Officer Matt Marzano-U.S. Marine Corps
Officer Chris Dewey-U.S. Army and New York Army National Guard
Officer David Rivera-U.S. Air Force
Officer Matthew Blank- Connecticut Army Air National Guard
Officer Owen Ochs- U.S. Army

Often our officers are not adequately recognized for the great work they do every day. Of the approximately 17,000 calls for service that our officers handle each year, some of these incidents are violent and put our officers in harm’s way. Our officers consistently handle these incidents with great skill, bravery, and dedication.

News

Police Chief: Thanking Those Who ‘Protect and Serve’

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Dear Editor:

Written on each New Canaan Police vehicle is the motto “protect and serve.” These simple words are what the men and women of our Department do exceptionally well. Our officers and civilian staff fulfill this mission every day. In the coming months, we will begin budget talks which often focus on numbers, costs, savings, return on investment and other statistical data. Unfortunately, these talks do not focus enough on the tremendous value our officers provide to our town in ways which are often not publicized. 

Despite budget constraints, staffing difficulties and increased workloads our officers continue to perform well in their roles as crime fighters, caregivers, community partners and protectors.

News

Police Chief: ‘Back To School’ Traffic Safety

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With the start of school, we should all expect an increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic. As both school buses and parents drop children off and pick them up at school, it is never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention whenever children are present—especially before and after school. Please follow these tips to ensure back to school traffic safety. 1. Don’t be a distracted driver

Put your cell phone down and never text while driving.

News

Police Chief: Keeping College Students Safe

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Very soon, if not already, hundreds of New Canaan students will move to a nearby city or across the country to pursue their studies. Becoming independent almost overnight comes with specific risks and responsibilities. Street crime is on the increase in most large United States cities. It is also growing on campuses and in small communities. No college is immune to crime.

News

Police Chief: Our Community’s Role in Reducing Suicides

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Tragically, every year our town endures several suicides and many attempted suicides. With the recent suicides of Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain and other well-known celebrities a transparent discussion about suicide is timely. 

Suicide is preventable and is a serious public health concern. Each suicide impacts individuals, families, and communities. The financial costs of suicide are approximately $69 billion per year. These numbers undervalue the severity of this crisis. 

In 2015, more than 500,000 people were treated in United States emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries.