Seymour to hold police, fire departments' swearing-in ceremony today

 

This is shared from Citizens' Engine Co. No. 2 Facebook page.

Valley first responders collecting Saturday for TEAM Toys 4 Kids

 

Police remind public of traffic delays Sunday around Seymour Pumpkin Festival

SEYMOUR - With the Pumpkin Festival right around the corner Seymour Police remind the public there will be traffic delays on the Route 67 (New Haven Avenue) corridor. 

The public is asked to recognize the designated parking areas and no parking signs on the day of the Festival. 

Please check the Seymour Pumpkin Festival Facebook page and website for further information.

This is shared from the Seymour Police Department Facebook page.

Rochelle: Judicial Branch to streamline cops' access to juvenile arrest records

Friends and Neighbors,

I want to share some breaking news regarding efforts to curb car thefts: starting September 1, the CT Judicial Branch will provide police departments with 24/7 access to juvenile arrest records to help curb car thefts and break-ins.

The Judicial Branch and local police have struggled to share juvenile criminal history and that has hampered efforts to detain, investigate, and prosecute repeat offenders.

This is what the new policies look like:

Police departments will have the ability to seek and receive information regarding a juvenile’s prior criminal history if there is one (i.e., probation, pending cases/conditions of release, pending orders, convictions/adjudication, and suspended detention orders) at any time, even nights and weekends.

Police departments will have discretion if they need to seek additional information beyond what’s listed above. 

The same discretion still applies for detention orders.
The turnaround time for this information between police departments and the Juvenile Probation Office is estimated to be around one hour, effectively ending what people call “catch and release” of repeat offenders, as it will happen within the maximum time of six hours to hold a juvenile before applying for detention (i.e. gives officers time to receive this pertinent information and apply for a detention order well before the six hours is up).

This change comes after speaking with police chiefs across the state who told us they didn’t have access to information they needed to get the worst offenders off the streets. This change is critical in the effort to solve this statewide and national issue.

I am pleased the Judicial Department heard the concerns legislators brought forth on behalf of our constituents and police officers.

Both the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments are asking for your assistance by taking your car keys inside your homes, locking your doors, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.

All my Best,

Kara Rochelle
State Representative


This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Police post Memorial Day Parade route in Shelton

SHELTON - The Derby/Shelton Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 31 at 9 a.m.

The parade starts at the intersection of Howe Ave and Wharf St (the Exit 14 off ramp from Rt 8 S), goes right on to Kneen St, right on to Coram Ave, right on to White St, right on to Howe Ave, and a left on to the Derby/Shelton Bridge.

Starting at 7 a.m., there is no parking along the parade route.

The no parking area includes Howe Ave from Kneen St to White St, Coram Ave from Kneen St to White St, and White St.

The parade is rain or shine.

This is shared from the Shelton Police Department Facebook page.

Bad news in Ansonia saddens longtime resident

ANSONIA - As a longtime resident who loves the city where we raised our two children it saddened me yesterday to post two reports of armed robberies here.

They occurred less than 18 hours apart. I won't re-post details but the good news is that no shots were fired in either situation. 

Although I normally don't post hard news I feel it's important to get the word out about violent crime in the community. So when I receive an emailed media release from Ansonia Police - or any department - I'll post it.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and what it has inflicted upon all segments of society it seems 2020 will never give up. Nothing feels "normal."

That's why whenever possible I make it a point to take and post photos of squirrels, birds, sunsets, fall foliage, and such to lighten the mood. 

I hope it helps. I know for certain it helps me.

Valley MLK Committee to hold CommUnity Zoom meeting Thursday

 

Peaceful rally slated at Riverwalk to support Shelton Police Department

New Beginnings Church to hold Unity Rally on Derby Green

FBI, Police seeking any information about missing Ansonia child

CWV Post 1562 in Derby to hold First Responders Appreciation Day

FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY AT CWV in DERBY on APRIL 27. 
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE. PLEASE PASS ALONG TO OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS. 
DETAILS ATTACHED..... :-)

Vigil in New Haven to honor domestic violence survivors, remember victims

NEW HAVEN - To raise awareness of domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

The 19th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 3 at Long Wharf Pier. 

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. 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.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all of our communities. Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Kevin Glen, Deputy Chief of Police of North Haven, will be guest speaker and members of local police departments will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 
The following will be recognized: 
Sgt. Clifford Hill, Sgt. Matthew Falcon, Officer Valdemar Queiroga of North Haven; Sgt. Craig Michalowski, Sgt. Anthony Rybaruk, Det. Jeff Vailette, Officer Luke Rasile, Officer Joe Carangelo, Det, Joseph Finoia, Sgt. Joseph Mulhern, Officer Jason Anderson, Officer Anthony Fiorillo, Lt. Joseph Murgo, and Sgt. Paul DeCrosta of East Haven; Sgt. Dom Eula and Officer Jacob Cheesman of Branford; Officer Scott Shumway, Officer Eric Pesino, Officer Jeff Suchy, Officer Chris Lawrence, Officer Paul Vitale, Sgt. Jim Evarts, Sgt. Craig Dixon, Det. Lenny Soto, Officer Maegan Moran, and Det. Cherelle Carr of New Haven; and Officer Brian Salemme. 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, x1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  
If you need immediate assistance, call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 
Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Forum in Ansonia works to bridge gap between community, police

Maude Hinson, wife of the Rev. John Hinson, pastor, First Baptist Church in Ansonia, speaks Monday night at a community forum in the church sanctuary. 

Maude Hinson organized a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day earlier this year and raised $8,300 to purchase safety equipment for Ansonia Police Officers. The fund-raising continues with a goal of $51,000, she said.

Please stay tuned for more information about the meeting in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Newsletter features Pearl Harbor ceremony in Ansonia

Dear readers,

The latest issue of The Valley Voice is out. 
Please click here to read about a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony Wednesday in Ansonia, an identity theft awareness campaign in Shelton, and more.

~ Patti and Ralph

Crisco offers tips from police to help prevent car break-ins

HARTFORD - Noting recent news stories about car break-ins in Cheshire and the Valley, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. D-Woodbridge, is offering a list of tips from police to help prevent car break-ins.

Joseph J. Crisco

“A lot of this is just common sense: lock your vehicle, and keep your valuables out of sight,” Crisco said. 
“It’s unfortunate that some individuals try and make a living stealing from hardworking people, but if they are going to do that, we should make it as difficult as possible for them.” 

Tips offered by Crisco and police officials include:

• First of all, roll up your car windows all the way and lock your doors every time you leave your vehicle unattended. This goes without saying!
• Second, never leave anything visible inside your vehicle! This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car window from being smashed and your valuables stolen. Place valuables out of sight in your center console, under a seat, in a glove box, a map pocket, or in the trunk. Better yet – leave your valuables at home, or take them with you!
• GPS units are the most common items stolen in car break-ins. Even the mere presence of a suction cup ring on your windshield or dashboard indicates to a thief that a valuable electronic is hidden in a console or glovebox, so clean that up!
• Handbags, purses, wallets, gym bags, and briefcases are the second-most stolen items. Place these large items in the trunk if you can.
• Unfortunately, putting large items in your trunk while in a parking lot might tip off a thief that you have good stuff to steal. Try to place large, valuable items in your trunk before you leave your house, or consider using the “pass through” feature from the rear seat to the trunk that some cars have.
• CDs, DVDs, radar detectors, GPS units, cell phones and MP3 players usually have cords and chargers. You may not leave the big item out in plain view, but if a thief sees a cord or a charger, he knows that a valuable electronic is likely in the car too. Hide these cords and chargers as well! 
• A lot of laptop computers, notebooks, and cell phones have cases, too. Place these out of sight!
• Believe it or not, your loose change in a cup holder or open ash tray can also be inviting to thieves. Hide your loose change! 
• Finally, if you have a car alarm, be sure to use it, but don’t count on it to deter a thief. A thief can get in and out of your car in about 30 seconds, too fast for even the most well-meaning citizen or police officer to respond.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Connecticut State Police urge residents to use caution as new school year starts

      MIDDLETOWN - Connecticut State Troopers urge drivers, parents and children to prepare for back to school safety.

As more than half-a-million Connecticut children head back to school over the next few weeks, Connecticut State Troopers urge all parents and guardians to discuss school, traffic, and personal safety with their children.  

Troopers also caution all drivers to be aware of “back to school” bus, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.  

Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they travel on Connecticut’s roadways, and to be alert to children who may be hurrying to and from school.

Under state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following the school bus. 

The yellow flashing lights are a warning to drivers that the bus will be stopping to pick up and/or drop-off students.  

Drivers should anticipate that the red flashing lights will come on shortly after seeing the yellow flashing lights as the bus comes to a stop.  

The red flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is stopped and students are either getting on or off the bus. 

Failure to obey this law not only puts our children at great risk, but it carries a hefty penalty for drivers. Fines for passing a school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated starts at $465 for a first offense. 

Parents should remind their children to wait in a safe place, out of the travel portion of the roadway, and only cross the street after looking both ways, even if the red lights are activated.  

Urge children to tell an adult and the police about anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable on the way to/from school and while they’re in school. Children should be reminded not to speak to, or get into the vehicles of, people they don’t know.

All Resident State Troopers and Troopers on patrol will periodically monitor school bus stops to help ensure the safety of all students as they travel back to school to begin the 2016-2017 school year.

This is a press release from the Connecticut State Police.

Newsletter highlights forum in Ansonia on race relations and policing

Dear readers,

Here's the link to our latest Valley Voice newsletter.

It features a story on a forum Wednesday in Ansonia that started a community conversation about race relations and policing.

Thanks for reading!

- Patti and Ralph

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. 

Valley NAACP to host forum on race, policing in Ansonia

Hilltop Hose in Ansonia to host block watch meeting

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti, Police Chief Kevin Hale, Police Officer Rick Esposito, Vinnie Scarlata (Block Watch Coordinator), Ed Norman, and members of the Board of Aldermen will hold the second Neighborhood Block Watch Meeting for residents of the Hilltop area. 

It will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hilltop Hose Company No. 5 firehouse, 80 Pulaski Highway.

The meeting is being convened to seek captains who will coordinate their individual areas and residents that would like to be active members of the block watch. 

“Please join us," Cassetti said today. "I want our residents to stay active and involved in this block watch. It is important to stay informed and to help your fellow neighbors. If everyone remains diligent, we will keep crime at bay."

The meeting will focus on the purpose and goals of a block watch and how the block watch will be implemented going forward. 

Also being discussed is personal home security with a concentration on ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors such as seniors and the homebound. 

There will also be information and literature handed out to all attendees.

This is a press release from Mayor David S. Cassetti's office.