Seymour Police to participate in Special Olympics Torch Run

SEYMOUR - Officers from the Seymour Police Department will proudly participate today in the Annual Special Olympics Torch Run, helping to support an incredible cause and raise awareness for Special Olympics athletes.

The run is scheduled to begin at approximately 2:30 p.m. today at the Route 67 Seymour/Oxford town line and will continue along Route 67 to the Seymour/Woodbridge town line, where the torch will be passed off to continue its journey.

Motorists should expect temporary traffic delays along the route during this time.

We appreciate your patience and support as our officers join law enforcement agencies across the state in carrying the Flame of Hope for Special Olympics.

Shared from the Seymour PD Facebook page.

Derby Police to particpate in today's Special Olympics Torch Run

DERBY - BOLO this afternoon, officers from the Derby PD will proudly be participating in the Annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, helping to raise awareness and support for the remarkable athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut.

We will receive the Flame of Hope from Shelton PD at 2:33 p.m at St. Joseph's Church. The run will proceed over Derby-Shelton Bridge on to Main Street (Rt 34) before turning onto Derby Avenue (Rt 115).

The flame will be handed off to Ansonia PD at Division Street.

Motorists should expect temporary traffic delays along the route during this time. We ask for your patience and cooperation as our officers join law enforcement agencies from across Connecticut in support of this inspiring cause. Give us a honk and help cheer us on!!!

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is more than just a run—it is a symbol of inclusion, determination, and community support for Special Olympics athletes who continue to inspire us all.

Shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

Ansonia Police assist another agency in investigation on Garden Street

ANSONIA - Today, April 9, 2026, the Ansonia Police Department assisted another state law enforcement agency in a criminal investigation on Garden Street in Ansonia. 

As this is an ongoing criminal investigation for another state agency we will not be releasing any information in order to protect the integrity of their investigation. 

There is no danger to the public on Garden Street or the surrounding streets.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

BHcare to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Long Wharf Pier event

NEW HAVEN - Join BHcare and Mayor Justin Elicker Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 1:15 p.m. at Long Wharf Pier to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a press conference followed by the Annual Sound of Hope. 

This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters, Every Action Counts,” reminds us that together, we have the power to create change. 

By speaking out, showing support, and taking action, we can bring hope and healing to the individuals, children, and families we serve.

Speakers include Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven; Roberta J. Cook, President/CEO of BHcare; Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Esperina Stubblefield, Director of Domestic Violence Services at BHcare, along with domestic violence survivors.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all our communities. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. 

Last year, BHcare helped more than 5,400 victims and children find hope, safety and healing.

Participants will honor the victims who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence in 2024. Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence. 

In addition, the event will honor local law enforcement who have played an integral part in BHcare’s domestic violence programs. 

Their dedication and tireless efforts have not only ensured the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence but have also fostered a sense of trust and collaboration that is invaluable to the pursuit of ending domestic violence once and for all.

 Those to be honored include:

• Officer Anthony Santos, Ansonia Police Department
• Officer Jenny Ribeiro, Ansonia Police Department 
• Officer Natalia Luty, Shelton Police Department 
• Officer John Napoleone, Shelton Police Department, 
• Detective Sergeant Courtney Bothwell, Milford Police Department 
• Officer Patrick Meehan, Woodbridge Police Department 
• Trooper Luis Decamps-Moran, Connecticut State Police, Troop I Bethany
• Officer Luke Julianelle, New Haven Police Department

For more information about the event or about domestic violence services, visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, more than 5,400 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

The Hope Family Justice Center, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof, offering free, comprehensive wraparound services to domestic violence victims and their families. 

Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Seymour Police to take part in Special Olympics torch run on Route 67 today

Special Olympics Torch Run Traffic Advisory:

Expect traffic delays from 3-4 p.m. today, June 2 on Route 67 as the torch run passes from the Oxford town line to the Woodbridge town line.

Seymour Police Officers will be running in the torch run, so if you see them out there, cheer them on!

Derby Police Department recruiting auxiliary police officer candidates

DERBY - The Derby Police Department is currently recruiting candidates to volunteer as auxiliary police officers. 

The auxiliary program is a great opportunity to get an up-close look at law enforcement. For some, it is a stepping stone to a career in law enforcement. For others, the auxiliary program provides an opportunity to give back to the community while pursuing other careers.

Derby Auxiliary Police are non-sworn and 100% volunteer. Auxiliary Police are routinely assigned to assist full-time personnel in the delivery of quasi-law enforcement services including patrolling the city, maintaining order at public events, performing traffic/ crowd control, enforcing parking violations, assist in the impounding of vehicles, and administering first aid if necessary.

For inquiries and a full list of requirements, please contact AUX Lt. Pizzi @ derbyaux@gmail.com or Sergeant Holly Corilla @ holly.corilla@derbypd.org

This is shared from the police department's Facebook page. 

Berthel backs GOP proposals to address violent crime in CT

State Sen. Eric Berthel

HARTFORD - State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32, Thursday issued a statement supporting the Connecticut Senate Republicans’ package of legislative proposals to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut. 

The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut, includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

“Public safety should be our most essential priority. Right now, people do not feel safe in their own home or when out in the community. We see almost daily stories of violent crime with law-abiding citizens as the victims. This is not fear-mongering or playing politics. This is a fact - simply looking at a newspaper proves this point,” said Berthel.

“We must restore law enforcement’s ability to prevent and stop crime and also look at the root causes for those crimes. This is a holistic plan that addresses these matters. 

"Everyone in Connecticut deserves the opportunity to succeed and this success begins with access to jobs. For youthful offenders, as a ranking member of our Education Committee, this includes a strong pipeline to these jobs by way of mentors and apprentice/internships. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle join me in supporting these initiatives to restore a Connecticut where everyone has the tools to succeed,” he said.

READ the plan in full at CTSenateRepublicans.com (https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/101321_ASaferConnecticut_SRO.pdf).

WATCH the press conference: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=19011


PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

Part 1: Crime Response
Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place.

Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity
Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
Workforce development programs
Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
Summer jobs program
Vocational program recruitment
Safe housing policies

Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities
Law enforcement recruitment
Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

CRIME STATISTICS:

HARTFORD is on pace for one of its deadliest years in decades, with 29 murders reported as of Oct. 2. A year over year 61.1% increase in murder.
NEW HAVEN murders year to date up 37.5%, assault with firearms up 9.5%, shots fired up 68% from 2020, a 122% increase from 2019, as of Sept. 12, 2021.
WATERBURY year to date all crime up 13.4%, murder up 28.6%, auto theft up 23%.
MIDDLETOWN homicide rate the highest it has been since 1993.
The number of homicides in Connecticut increased 31% in 2020 according to the FBI, just over the historic 30% increase nationwide. Nationally, this is the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the country, according to official FBI statistics.
FBI data shows car thefts in CT rose 42.5% from 2019-2020. Nationwide increase was 11.8%. CT Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest in 2020: 667 …CT Motor Vehicle Theft Offense Counts in 2020: 7,773.
According to AAA National Insurance Crime Bureau, Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen vehicles in 2020 as compared to 2019. Almost 6,000 vehicles were stolen in 2019, which would suggest more than 8,500 vehicles were stolen in 2020.
Auto theft-related arrests have risen 23% in 2020 compared to the first full year of data gathered in 2019, according to a Judicial Branch report.


Berthel represents Connecticut's 32nd District, which includes the towns of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. 

www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from Berthel's office.

Motorcycle club to hold 5th annual fundraiser at Derby Elks Lodge

Seymour Police K9 officers get protective vests

K9 Rex

K9 Zoar

SEYMOUR - Seymour Police Department K9s Rex and Zoar have each received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 
K9 Rex’s vest was sponsored by Richard Kearns of RKFMX in Prospect and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by RKFMX Guided by Angels." 

K9 Zoar’s vest was sponsored by Robert Kezelevich of the Seymour Senior Citizens and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Seymour Senior Citizens.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity in East Taunton, Mass. whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. 

The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. 

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 3,100 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $5.7 million.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. 

New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744-$2,283, a five-year warranty, and an average weight of four to five pounds. 

There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. 

For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, Mass. 02718.

This is shared from the Seymour Police Department Facebook page.

Ansonia resident carries torch in run to benefit Special Olympics

Ansonia resident Michael Adamczyk, left, carries  the torch Friday in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut along East Main Street in Ansonia to Father Salemi Drive. At right is Ansonia Police Officer Mike Barry. 
The run, founded in 1986, is a worldwide event that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics./ Contributed photo

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to host program on cyber-bullying

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School is sponsoring a cyber-bullying program for parents at 7 p.m. April 3 at the school, 14 Seymour Ave. 

Scott Driscoll, a renowned law enforcement official, is the presenter. 
Driscoll has conducted forensic computer examinations for law enforcement agencies including online bullying, identity theft, and child pornography cases. 

The program is open to the public.

This is a press release from St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Community forum in Ansonia focuses on race, policing in Valley

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal addresses a community forum on race and policing Wednesday night at the Joseph A. Doyle Senior Center in Ansonia. More than 50 people attended the forum hosted by the Valley NAACP.

At far left is Derby Police Chief Gerald Narowski, and next to him is Seymour Police Chief Michael Metzler. Seated behind the lectern is Shelton's Interim Police Chief Shawn Sequeira. Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale also was in attendance. 

Gentile hails Connecticut's efforts against human trafficking

State leads way in fight; law gets tougher Oct. 1

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, is hailing Connecticut’s efforts against human trafficking.  

Beginning in October, hotel and motel operators must train their staff to recognize signs of human trafficking.  

The operators must also keep records of their guests.

In addition, the General Assembly will get annual reports from law enforcement outlining: 

law enforcement’s participation in federal, statewide, or regional anti-trafficking efforts; referrals related to human trafficking allegations; criteria used to determine the validity of human trafficking allegations; coordination among state and local police on trafficking cases; obstacles to investigating trafficking; the number of missing children investigations; the number of referrals from DCF related to trafficking; and the number of trafficking cases referred for prosecution.

“I am so proud of this legislation,” Gentile said. “It came about thanks to the women's caucus of the General Assembly who recognized the extent of this horrible crime and urgent need to address it. We worked side by side, across the aisle to ensure that our law would be comprehensive and effective. Because of my commitment and that of my colleagues, Connecticut's law is model legislation for our country.”

Connecticut’s aggressive anti-trafficking laws have attracted the attention of law enforcement and civil rights groups across the U.S.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Seymour PD seeks citizens academy applicants

*Sharing from the Office of the (Seymour) First Selectman Facebook page.