Press Releases

PRESS RELEASES

Drug 'Take Back' Saturday, April 28

April 20, 2012

On April 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Wethersfield Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Last October, Americans turned in 377,080 pounds—188.5 tons—of prescription drugs at over 5,300 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement partners. In its three previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in almost a million pounds—nearly 500 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines-flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash-both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an "ultimate user" of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents' controlled substances in certain instances. DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months. Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the Wethersfield Police Department and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

Persons participating may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from the container at the site and disposing of it directly into a disposal box. Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, sharps and syringes will not be accepted. Illegal substances such as marijuana and methamphetamine are not part of this initiative.

Persons participating in the "Take Back" initiative can come to the Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Highway on Saturday, April 28, 2012 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and drive-up to the collection box on-site.

This service is free and anonymous. No questions asked.

Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

March 23, 2012

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive April 9, 2012, to examine all aspects of the Wethersfield Police Department's policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

The department was first internationally accredited in 1992 by CALEA, which requires police agencies to comply with 480 standards and undergo re-accreditation every three years to maintain the status.

The re-accreditation team consists of police officials from similar agencies across the nation. The team will review operational files and training guidelines as well as interview officers, other staff and the public to ensure that the department is complying with the CALEA standards.

Members of the public are invited to meet with the team to offer comments about the police department at a public information session from 5–7 p.m. on April 10th at the Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Hwy. Individuals can also comment by calling (860) 721-2718 between 3–5 p.m. on April 10, 2012.

Comments are limited to ten minutes and should pertain to the standards upon which CALEA judges the police department. A copy of the CALEA standards is available at Wethersfield Police Department and can be reviewed by contacting Sergeant Thomas Mitney at (860) 721-2919.

Individuals may also submit written comments by writing to CALEA at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, Virginia 20155.

When the assessment team concludes its investigation it will report its findings to the full CALEA Commission, which will decide whether to reaccredit the department.

Arrests Made After Police Pursuit

March 1, 2012

On Thursday March 1, 2012 at 12:09 p.m. an officer from the Wethersfield Police Department came upon a car parked in a parking lot on Wolcott Hill Road near the intersection of Jordan Lane. This officer saw that the male operator and female passenger were engaged in narcotics use. Upon seeing the narcotics, the officer opened the driver's door. The male and female fled the scene in the motor vehicle. The open car door struck the officer's hand. A short pursuit began which lead to Rt. 5/15 southbound. While entering Rt. 5/15 southbound from the Silas Deane Highway the suspect vehicle struck a passing vehicle. This minor collision caused the suspect vehicle to lose control and spin out. The suspect vehicle began to drive northbound on Rt. 5/15 southbound. At this point, the suspect vehicle collided with a Wethersfield Police cruiser causing minor damage to the cruiser. Shortly after this, the suspect vehicle and cruiser came to rest along the side of the road.

The male and female were arrested at the scene and were transported to Wethersfield Police Headquarters. The officer received minor injuries to his hand and did not require medical attention. Officers recovered a small amount of heroin from inside of the suspect vehicle.

The male (picture left) has been identified as Ian Martinelli, DOB 3/20/88 of 12 Roseleah Ave. in Plainville, CT. He was charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Engaging Police in Pursuit, Reckless Driving and Operating Under Suspension. He was held on a $100,000.00 bond and will appear in New Britain court on 3/2/12.

The female (picture left) has been identified as Leila Karst, DOB 6/22/92 of 367 Beaver Meadow Road in Haddam, CT. She was charged with Possession of Narcotics. She was held on a $2,500.00 bond and will appear in New Britain court on 3/2/12.

WPD Lieutenant Given Leadership Role in Special Olympics

February 10, 2012

Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) has appointed Lieutenant Donald Crabtree of the Wethersfield Police Department as volunteer Co-Director of its Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, the leadership body that oversees statewide law enforcement activities that support the organization and its more than 13,000 athletes and partners. These activities include the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an annual three-day run that officers from across the state participate in to raise awareness and gain support for Special Olympics, and year-round law-enforcement-driven fundraising events. Both Crabtree and Pelazza are longtime Special Olympics Connecticut volunteers, who've demonstrated outstanding commitment to furthering the organization's mission of inspiring acceptance, opportunity and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.

Crabtree began participating in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run in 1996. In 1999, he stepped up to represent his department as the Town Captain for the Torch Run and later served as a Leg Coordinator. He volunteered at the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference when it came to Connecticut in 2009, and was chosen to represent Connecticut at international conferences in Oklahoma and Texas. He joined the Law Enforcement Torch Run Council as the Eastern Region Regional Coordinator in 2009. He has also organized and participated in fundraisers including the Wethersfield Police's Tip-A-Cop and Cop-on-Top events, the Penguin Plunge and the Guts & Glory Challenge.

Crabtree joined the Wethersfield Police Department in 1995. He has served the Department as its Juvenile Detective, a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Instructor, Training Unit Supervisor and a certified law enforcement instructor. He was recognized as the Department's Officer of the Year in 2007. Crabtree was promoted to Lieutenant in 2010 and is currently the commander of the Department's Support Services Bureau. He resides in Wethersfield with his wife Sharan and their two children, Lauren and Michael.

DUI Patrols Increased for the Holidays

November 10, 2011

The Wethersfield Police Department was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $23,025 from the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation for additional specialized patrols for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement. This grant will provide for additional patrols responsible for the strict enforcement of driving under the influence statutes during the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's holidays as well as other holiday periods in 2012 to include the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day holiday periods.

These upcoming DUI patrols will typically occur during the evening and midnight hours and continue through the end of the year on New Year's Day. Extra patrols will be added with special attention to the Silas Deane Highway (Route 99), Berlin Turnpike (Routes 5/15), Prospect Street (Route 287), Jordan Lane (Route 314) and Wolcott Hill Road. In addition to added DUI enforcement, officers will also be aggressively enforcing seatbelt and child carseat violations.

Members of the Wethersfield Police Department were responsible for 198 DUI arrests in 2010, and as of November 9, 2011, members of the Department have made 134 DUI arrests.

Through strict enforcement of motor vehicle laws, the members of the Wethersfield Police Department are committed to making the roadways safer to travel on, particularly during these upcoming holiday periods. Members of the public can also help make our roadways a safer place. Persons who plan to drink alcohol at a holiday event should make plans in advance to have a sober non-drinking driver bring them home.

The Wethersfield Police Department strongly encourages people not to drink and drive.

Storm Update

October 31, 2011

The Town of Wethersfield Town Manager's office would like to take this opportunity to advise Wethersfield residents of several important issues related to this past weekend's storm event.

The Wethersfield Town Manager has determined that Trick or Treating has been postponed from this evening to Saturday November 5th, pending the restoration of power. This was decided with safety in mind as it could be dangerous with many power lines down and no lighting in the neighborhoods.

A parking ban remains in effect until further notice. There will be no school in Wethersfield on Tuesday, November 1st. The Town's Physical Services Department will be conducting debris removal; however they are unsure when this will occur. Residents are reminded they should not pile anything in the street; it has to be on the owner's lawn. Lastly, Paine's trash removal is at least one day behind schedule for any pickups.

Residents are reminded to use caution when outside as there are still many areas in town where there are downed power lines. Also, please be patient with CL&P workers as well as with town workers.

Accident Reports Available Online

October 26, 2011

On November 1, 2011 the Wethersfield Police Department will begin offering access to our police accident reports on-line. The Wethersfield Police Department has partnered with Docview, LLC so as to provide this service.

Docview, LLC provides an internet based application that helps law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, attorneys and citizens manage and access traffic accident reports in a more efficient manner. These accident reports will be available on-line typically five to seven days after the motor vehicle crash.

It is estimated that the Wethersfield Police Department Records Unit receives approximately two thousand requests yearly for accident reports. It is expected that this partnership will significantly reduce the time previously dedicated to assisting insurance agencies and citizens seeking copies of accident reports. It will now allow persons requesting this report to do so from the convenience of their home or business twenty-four hours a day via the internet. This new on-line method will provide an alternative and more expedient method for obtaining the information they need. Additionally, accident reports cannot be modified, maintaining report integrity.

Persons, attorneys and insurance companies can visit www.docview.us.com to get a copy of a Wethersfield Police Department accident report.

Docview.us.com charges a nominal convenience fee for this service which is added to the cost of the report. The Wethersfield Police Department, however, will also continue to provide requests for accident reports as in the past for those not desiring this service.

Docview.us.com provided the Wethersfield Police Department with a high speed scanner, scanning software and training at no charge so as to provide this service.

Persons may contact Docview, LLC at (866) 394-0832 or the Wethersfield Police Department Records Unit at (860) 721-2905 with any questions.

Free Gun Safety Kits

October 6, 2011

The Wethersfield Police Department continues to distribute free firearm safety kits as part of Project ChildSafe. The goal of this nationwide initiative is to raise the awareness about safe and responsible firearm ownership and storage. The safety kits include a cable-style gun lock and safety brochure. The kits can be picked up anytime at the Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Highway and are available to anyone free of charge.

New K-9 Team Begins Patrol Duty

August 22, 2011

Chief James Cetran and the Wethersfield Police Department are proud to announce their new K-9 patrol team. Officer Joe Baich and K-9 Owen have completed their certification class and are beginning full patrol duty on the street. The new K-9 team will be available at the Wethersfield Police Department community room on Friday 8/26/2011 at 9:30 a.m. to meet the public and media. Also, Officer Baich and K-9 Owen will be accepting a check from two local youths who, along with their grandfather, raised money to equip K-9 Owen with vital gear that he needs to do his job.

The Wethersfield Police K-9 Unit is funded solely through donations by members of the community and fundraising efforts of the K-9 unit itself. The canine and officer team attend a twelve week certification course in areas consisting of: obedience, tracking, area and building searches, as well as criminal apprehension. K-9s have been used in Wethersfield to locate narcotics, track fleeing criminals, locate missing persons, locate evidence of crimes, and apprehend barricaded criminals. For additional information, please contact Sgt. Thomas Mitney at (860) 721-2900 or thomas.mitney@wethersfieldct.com.

Police Investigate Animal Neglect

August 5, 2011

On Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 6:34 p.m. the Wethersfield Police Department received a complaint of possible animal neglect and cruelty. The complainant provided photographs of horses, cattle and pigs. These photographs were forwarded to the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture for assistance, and the horses in the photos were determined to be in a state of serious neglect. A search warrant was applied for and granted by the New Britain Superior Court to seize the horses and to inspect the facilities at the Harris Farm at 400 Two Rod Highway in Wethersfield.

On Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 1 p.m. the search warrant was executed by the Wethersfield Police Department in conjunction with the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture. The two horses were found to be in a state of extreme malnourishment and medical neglect. A gray female horse named "Shilo" was in such poor condition that she was unable to be safely removed from the farm, and was euthanized by a licensed veterinarian on scene and then transported to the UConn College of Agriculture and Natural Resources' diagnostic laboratory for a necropsy. A brown male horse named "Wilbur" was seized and was transported to H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut in Washington, Conn. for care and rehabilitation. The cattle and pigs appeared to be in adequate condition. This incident remains under investigation by the Wethersfield Police Department and State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The Wethersfield Police Department is very grateful for the assistance given by the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture and H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut, a non-profit organization specializing in the rehabilitation of horses.

Internal Affairs Investigations

August 5, 2011

Four Internal Affairs Investigations were conducted between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011; two were generated internally and two stemmed from citizen complaints. One officer was Exonerated of the allegations lodged against them, one officer had findings of Not Sustained, one officer had two findings of Sustained with Discipline.

National Night Out at Mill Woods Park

July 12, 2011

The Wethersfield Police Department will be hosting a National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mill Woods Park.

The Town of Wethersfield will join over 14,000 other communities in all fifty states in this national event. In all, over 36 million people are expected to participate in this event.

National Night Out is designed to strengthen neighborhood and community spirit, heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts.

There will be food, drinks, music, prizes, games, and activities for families and persons of all ages.

Along with officers from the Wethersfield Police Department, there will also be persons from the Town Parks and Recreation Department, Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office and Wethersfield Volunteer Ambulance Association at the event. All residents are encouraged to attend.

For additional information please contact Lieutenant Donald Crabtree at (860) 721-2914 or don.crabtree@wethersfieldct.com.

March 9, 2011

Police to Hold Promotional Ceremony

The Wethersfield Police Department will be holding a promotional ceremony on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 1 p.m.in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall located at 505 Silas Deane Highway.

Master Police Officer Jennie Keyes will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sgt. Keyes will be the first female officer promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the history of the Wethersfield Police Department. She has been with the Wethersfield Police Department for eleven years, which includes one year as a dispatcher and ten years as an officer. She became a narcotics K-9 handler in 2005 and became a Master Police Officer in 2009. As a Sergeant she will be assigned to the Patrol Division as a shift supervisor.

Members of the public are welcome to attend this ceremony.

February 7, 2011

Citizens' Police Academy Begins in March

James L. Cetran, Chief of Police, Town of Wethersfield, is proud to announce that the Wethersfield Police Department will be hosting its 2011 Citizens' Police Academy. Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Wethersfield Police Department beginning on March 7, 2011 and continuing for ten weeks. The Citizens' Police Academy gives the Wethersfield Police Department and the citizens of Wethersfield an opportunity to positively interact with each other.

Each week students of the Citizens' Academy will get an opportunity to learn from a Wethersfield Police Officer subjects such as Search and Seizure, Patrol Operations, Juvenile Investigations, Legal Use of Force, Police Training, Accident Investigation, Canine and SWAT Operations.

The program is open to all Wethersfield residents and persons who work in the Town of Wethersfield who are age 21 and older. The program is free of charge. All classroom materials will be supplied by the Wethersfield Police Department.

For more information or applications, persons may visit the Wethersfield Police Department, 250 Silas Deane Highway. Persons with questions may also contact Lt. Donald Crabtree at (860) 721-2914 or don.crabtree@wethersfieldct.com. Applications are also available online.

January 4, 2011

New Parking Restrictions Beginning Feb. 1

Recently the Wethersfield Town Council adopted a new town ordinance that is related to parking. The Wethersfield Police Department would like to take this opportunity to inform residents of this new town ordinance that will be effective February 1, 2011.

According to this new town ordinance, it is illegal to park vehicles other than in a driveway that has a durable all-weather surface of bituminous, concrete, brick, cement, crushed stone or other properly bound pavement appurtenant to a residential building, between the public sidewalk and the street, or, in the case of streets without sidewalks, between the curb or edge of pavement and the boundary of the town or state right of way. Grassed lawn areas may not be utilized for motor vehicle parking.

Simply put, it will now be illegal to park vehicles on the snow shelf or right of way.

For the remainder of the month of January, officers from the Wethersfield Police Department will be distributing informational notices to violators. Beginning in February, officers will then be issuing town parking tickets for these violations. The fine for violation of this town ordinance is $25.00.

Any questions or concerns regarding this new ordinance related to parking should be directed to the Town Manager's office at (860) 721-2801.

December 7, 2010

Snow Removal Reminder

Wethersfield Police Chief James Cetran would like to remind all residents and snow removal contractors that the blowing, throwing, or plowing of snow into any public street or way is a violation of Wethersfield Town Ordinance 139-4. Snow may be temporarily placed in the roadway if necessary but shall be immediately removed from the public street. Snow that is blown, thrown or plowed into the street by residents or their contractors creates an unnecessary safety hazard to all motorists. With this in mind, the Wethersfield Police Department will begin strictly enforcing this Town Ordinance during the winter months. Those found to be in violation of the Town Ordinance will be subject to a fine of $75.00.

'Click It or Ticket' Campaign Planned

November 4, 2010

The Wethersfield Police Department will be participating in the "Click It or Ticket" seatbelt enforcement program. This program will begin Monday, November 8th and will continue through Sunday, November 21st. In addition to seatbelt violations, the Wethersfield Police will be enforcing child safety seat violations, speeding and DUI laws.

During the last such campaign, held in May, 2010, Wethersfield officers issued 123 citations for seat belt violations.

Through aggressive enforcement of motor vehicle laws, the Wethersfield Police Department strives to make the roadways safer to travel on, especially during the upcoming holiday period.

Chief James Cetran and all of the officers from the Wethersfield Police Department encourage people to buckle up and not to drink and drive.

Help Sought Identifying Vehicle

October 29, 2010

On Thursday, October 28, 2010 at about 8:55 a.m. officers from the Wethersfield Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries on the Berlin Turnpike northbound in the area of the City Side Inn, 1680 Berlin Turnpike. Officers found that a four car motor vehicle accident just occurred and that the offending vehicle fled the scene. The offending vehicle is described as a blue four-door sedan, possibly a Nissan or a Ford being operated by a white female; which fled from the scene northbound on the Berlin Turnpike. The vehicle would have significant front end damage to the front right bumper and fender of the vehicle with white paint transfer. Anyone that witnessed the accident and/or has any information about the evading vehicle is asked to call Officer Veilleux at the Wethersfield Police Department (860) 721-2900 ext. 3039.

Internal Affairs Investigations

July 29, 2010

Seven Internal Affairs Investigations were conducted between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Four officers were Exonerated of the allegations lodged against them, one officer had findings of Unfounded, one officer had a finding of Not Sustained, and one officer had findings of sustained with discipline.

Arrest Made in Bank Robbery

January 18, 2010

On Friday, January 15, 2010, approximately 2:45 p.m., officers from the Wethersfield Police Department responded to a bank alarm at Sovereign Bank, 1400 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. Responding officers learned that an unidentified male had entered the Sovereign Bank and handed a teller a note demanding cash. The perpetrator made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

On Saturday, January 16, 2010, Wethersfield Police detectives developed enough information during the subsequent investigation to positively identify the Sovereign Bank robbery suspect as Juan Perez, DOB 2-5-63, of 170 Gilman Street, Hartford, CT. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Perez on Saturday, January 16th and began looking for Perez. With the assistance of the New Britain Police Department, Perez was apprehended in New Britain on Sunday, January 17, 2010.

Officers transported Perez to the Wethersfield Police Department where he was charged with the below listed crimes and held on a court imposed bond of $200,000.00. He will be presented in New Britain court on Tuesday, 1/19/10.

Juan Perez was charged with the following:

• Robbery 3rd Degree 53a-136
• Larceny 3rd Degree 53a-124

Police Offer Reminder on Overnight Parking

December 20, 2009

The Wethersfield Police Department would like to remind people of the town's ordinance restricting overnight parking of cars on streets. According to the town ordinance, it is illegal to park on the road for any period of time longer than 30 minutes between the hours of 2 and 5 a.m. However, this prohibition does not apply to physicians on call or emergency cases of any other nature. Permission for exceptions to this all-night parking ordinance may be obtained from the Police Department (860-721-2900) in unusual cases or when unusual conditions exist. The fine for violation of this town ordinance is $25.

Body Identified

December 18, 2009

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at approximately 2:56 p.m. the Wethersfield Police Department received a call from an individual who was reporting that he had found a body in a wooded area. On Sunday, December 13, 2009 the Medical Examiners Office in Farmington, CT conducted an autopsy on the victim. With the assistance of the Medical Examiners Officer and Connecticut State Police Forensic Lab, the individual was positively identified through his fingerprints as Gary David Baginski DOB 11/19/56 of Wethersfield, CT.

The cause of Baginski's death still remains undetermined at this point. According to family members, Baginski was last seen at the end of October 2009 when he walked away from the home. The family had not seen him nor heard from him since that day he left the home. Police are still investigating the cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wethersfield Police Department at (860) 721-2900.

Awards Acknowledge Assistance With Robbery Arrest

December 10, 2009

On Thursday, December 10, 2009 Police Chief James Cetran presented an award to a Rocky Hill police officer as well as an employee of D'Angelo's Sandwich Shop for their roles in helping to apprehend a dangerous armed robber.

On Monday, November 23, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. officers from the Wethersfield Police Department were dispatched to D'Angelo's, 1345 Silas Deane Highway for a report of an armed robbery that just occurred at that location. A white male reportedly pulled a handgun on an employee of the business and demanded money.

While responding to D'Angelo's, the Wethersfield officers learned that the employee victim of the robbery had chased the suspect on foot. The suspect reportedly ran to the rear of D'Angelo's to a waiting vehicle and left west on Town Line Road. Rocky Hill officers were also responding to the area to assist if needed. As the victim was chasing the suspect, he was able to signal to a Rocky Hill officer alerting him that the suspect vehicle was leaving the scene. The Rocky Hill officer pursued the fleeing vehicle. The Rocky Hill officer stopped the suspect vehicle on New Britain Avenue. With the assistance of the Rocky Hill officer, Wethersfield officers arrested both occupants of the car for the robbery.

Without the help of the D'Angelo's employee and the Rocky Hill police officer, the Wethersfield Police would have had a difficult investigation ahead of them. Their quick actions helped locate the suspect in this case. The suspect in this case has also been linked to numerous armed robberies or attempted robberies in several area communities. The Wethersfield Police would like to publicly recognize both the Rocky Hill officer and the D'Angelo's employee for their tremendous help in this case.

Internal Affairs Investigations

August 25, 2009

Seventeen Internal Affairs Investigations were conducted between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Four officers were Exonerated of the allegations lodged against them, eight officers had findings of Not Sustained, two officers had two findings of Sustained with Discipline, two complaints were withdrawn, and one complaint was not completed prior to the officer's resignation.

Dog Owners Reminded on Restraint Ordinance, Licensing Requirement

July 21, 2009

The Wethersfield Police Department would like to remind people of the town's ordinance regarding the restraint and control of dogs. According to the ordinance, dog owners must keep their dog under restraint except at town-designated dog parks. Also, dog owners cannot permit their dogs to run at large upon the streets and public ways of the town or upon property other than that of such owner or keeper. Allowing a dog to roam could result in a fine of up to $100.00.

Also, Wethersfield residents are reminded that they must license their dogs with the Town of Wethersfield. A dog license can be obtained at the Town Clerk's office at Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway. Failure to license a dog could result in a $70.00 fine.

Street Closings - Memorial Day Parade

May 19, 2009

Below is a list of street closings and approximate times they will be closed.

• State Street (entire length) - 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
• Nott Street (from Garden Street to State Street) - 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
• Garden Street (from Nott Street to Church Street) - 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
• Church Street (from Garden Street to Main Street) - 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Main Street (from Church Street to Garden Street) - 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Garden Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) - 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Broad Street (west side, from Garden Street north to Marsh Street) - 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Marsh Street (from Main Street to Broad Street) - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In addition, the following streets will be posted with temporary "No Parking" signs:

• State Street: From Hartford Avenue to the west driveway of DMV - both sides
• Nott Street: Around monument island at Hartford Avenue and Nott Street; from Hartford Avenue to Garden Street - both sides
• Garden Street: Nott to Church Street - both sides
• Church Street: From Garden Street to Main Street - both sides
• Garden Street: From Main Street to Broad Street - both sides
• Broad Street: From Garden Street to Marsh Street - both sides
• Nott Street/State Street intersection
• Nott Street: Between State and Garden - both sides
• Main Street: From Church Street to Garden Street - both sides (Saturday morning only)

Police Announce Report Released in Officer Shooting

March 19, 2008

The State's Attorney Office has released their report concerning the shooting death of Gerard Chapdelaine in Wethersfield on November 6, 2007.

Elks Donation Benefits Child Safety Seat Program

September 18, 2007

Donna Hemmann, representing the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge, is pictured here with Ofc. Elizabeth Taylor and Sgt. Don Crabtree of the Wethersfield Police Department. The Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks donated a check for $135.00 to the Wethersfield Police Department. This money was used to pay for the required training for Ofc. Taylor so that she may properly install child safety seats in cars. The Wethersfield Police Department will be resuming their child seat installation program shortly. Chief James Cetran and all the officers of the Wethersfield Police Department appreciate the generosity of the Wethersfield/Rocky Hill Elks Lodge.

Non-Emergency Phone Number Changes

December 6, 2006

As of January 1, 2007 the Wethersfield Police Department will no longer be able to accept non-emergency calls for persons using (860) 571-2900. Persons dialing this number after January 1, 2007 will receive a recording advising them that this number is no longer in service.

Persons making non-emergency calls have been and will continue to be able to contact the Wethersfield Police Department using (860) 721-2900.

The Chief of Police, James Cetran, urges all residents to make note of this change and make appropriate changes in their personal directories.

As always, persons will still be able to report emergencies dialing 911.

'Curbs For Explorers' Program

The Curbs for Explorers fundraising program is up and running. The Wethersfield Police Explorers have taken over from the Canine Unit the painting of curbs for a minimum ten dollar donation. Chief of Police James Cetran wishes to express his and the department's gratitude to the citizens who have participated so far, and to those who have made inquiries since last fall when the program was suspended.

This is an excellent program that helps all. It helps the police identify addresses, it helps the Explorers maintain their excellent program, and it helps the citizen receive timely public service to their residence.

False Alarm Ordinance Revised

On June 20, 2005, the Wethersfield Town Council adopted a new False Alarm Ordinance that includes an increase in fines for false burglar and fire alarms and will require registration of all alarm systems. The new fines will be implemented effective July 1, 2005. The first two false alarms will not be fined; the third false alarm will initiate monetary fines beginning at $50.00. Each subsequent false alarm will increase the fine by $25.00.

Information about the registration process and registration fee of $25.00 will be mailed to all currently known alarm owners. Please contact the Police Department at (860) 721-2919 or the Fire Marshal at (860) 721-2806 if you have questions.