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East Lyme Police Department
Office of the Resident State Trooper

 

    

 

East Lyme welcomes a new Resident State Trooper, Sergeant Wilfred J. Blanchette III

     On April 1st, 2008, I was appointed to serve as the East Lyme Resident State Trooper, replacing Master Sergeant Richard Crooks who was promoted to Executive Officer at Troop E in Montville.  I have been employed as a State Trooper for the past seven years with my most recent assignments as a patrol supervisor at Troop K in Colchester and a Detective with the Eastern District Major Crime Squad.  Prior to my employment with the Connecticut State Police, I served as a Municipal Police Officer for the Town of Ledyard where I retired as a Sergeant after 10 years of service.  In conjunction with the East Lyme Police Department, I look forward to serving as your Resident State Trooper and to continue providing exceptional police service and protection to the Citizens of East Lyme.  I can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM at 739-7007 or wblanchette@eastlymepolice.com

Respectfully submitted;

Sergeant Wilfred J. Blanchette III

Connecticut State Police
East Lyme Resident Trooper


**About Us**

The town of East Lyme continues to provide outstanding police service and protection to its citizens through the joint efforts of the Resident State Troopers Office, and the East Lyme Police Department.  The town is currently under contract with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, and has participated in the Resident State Trooper Program since approximately 1940.

During the time period referenced in this report, a single State Police Sergeant, who worked primarily during the day shift, served East Lyme.  The current Resident Trooper is Sergeant Wilfred Blanchette.

The Resident Trooper, in conjunction with Administrative Sergeant Joseph San Juan, and Patrol Sergeants, Bruce Babcock, Paul Renshaw, and Terry Saffioti, provide direction and supervision to the East Lyme police officers on a twenty-four hour basis.   The East Lyme Police Department currently has nineteen (19) full time officers, three (3) part time officers, and a single Administrative Assistant.  The department is approved for twenty one (21) full time officers and is actively engaged in hiring new officers.  Anyone interested in becoming an East Lyme Police Officer should visit the Law Enforcement Council of Eastern Connecticut Website at http://www.lawenforcementcouncil.org.

The East Lyme Police Department provides additional services to the town, including beach, foot, bicycle, boardwalk, and boat patrols.  Detective Donald Marr , the senior officer within the Town of East Lyme Police Department is serving as the Town’s first Detective.  Detective Marr investigates crimes of a serious nature, which require in depth exploration.  Officer Jean Cavanaugh, the towns D.A.R.E. instructor, provides substance abuse education and other guidance to East Lyme students.  Officers Mark Hallbauer, and Dana Huffman have been instrumental in the development and administration of a Police Explorer’s Program, which currently has sixteen (16) members.  Officer Kenneth Mellor, and his canine partner Harley also offer exceptional service to the town.



**Weekly Activity Report**

The following is a summary of the combined policing efforts of the Resident Troopers Office, the East Lyme Police Department, and Troop E, in East Lyme, for the period encompassing June 15, 2008, to July 19, 2008. 

  • Total calls for police service:  1220

  • Criminal Investigations:  116

  • Accident Investigations:  62 (08 with injuries, 00 fatalities)  

  • DWI arrests: 4

  • Motor vehicle infractions, summonses or warnings issued:  425

  • Motorist assists:  83

 

 

Week of June 15, 2008:  15 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 3 Administrative Reports, 1 Assist Agency Report, 7 Vandalisms, 5 Disturbances, 9 Larcenies, 5 Medical Investigations, 4 Narcotic Investigations, 2 Sexual Assault Complaints, 4 Suspicious Incidents.

 

Week of June 22, 2008:  15 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 1 Administrative Report, 1 Assist Agency Report, 1 Assist Citizen Report, 1 Criminal Impersonation Report, 1 Vandalism, 4 Disturbances, 4 larcenies, 1 Narcotic Investigation, 1 Warrant Arrest.

 

Week of June 29, 2008:  13 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 1 Administrative Report, 1 Burglary, 1 Criminal Impersonation, 2 Vandalisms, 7 Disturbances, 2 DWI Arrests, 3 Larcenies, 2 Medical Investigations, 1 Suspicious Incident.

 

Week of July 6, 2008:  9 Crashes, 1 Burglary, 1 Vandalism, 2 Disturbances, 7 Larcenies, 3 Medical Investigations, 1 Warrant Arrest, 1 Sexual Assault, 2 Suspicious Incidents.

 

Week of July 13, 2008:  10 Motor Vehicle Crashes, 1 Vandalism, 9 Disturbances, 2 DWI Arrests, 7 Larcenies, 2 Medical Investigations, 1 Narcotic Investigation, 1 Untimely Death Investigation.

 

**RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY ALERT**

The recent rash of residential burglaries reported in East Lyme, and the surrounding towns, over the past few months have subsided. The Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad along with the East Lyme Police Detective and patrol officers have pursued leads which have led to the successful resolution and eventual prosecution of many of these crimes.  Several of the crimes remain unsolved and police are continuing their investigation.  If you observe suspicious persons, or vehicles in your neighborhood, obtain as much descriptive information as possible, preferably a vehicle registration number, and contact the police immediately. Timely reporting of this information is critical. The East Lyme Police Department can be reached at 739-5900 and the Connecticut State Police, Troop E, can be reached at 848-1201.

The Resident Troopers Office, and the East Lyme Police Department will continue to provide outstanding police service to the town of East Lyme and each of its citizens.

Respectfully submitted;
Sergeant Wilfred J. Blanchette III

Connecticut State Police
East Lyme Resident Trooper



**Local Traffic Alerts**

July 4th weekend normally brings an exceptional amount of traffic to Rocky Neck State Park. Expect delays in the area of Route 156 and Giant’s Neck Rd. Be alert in these areas for heavy pedestrian traffic.

July 5th and 6th 2008 there is the Niantic Art Show and Lobster Festival being held at the Town Hall. Expect minor traffic delays along Pennsylvania Ave.

 July 19th 2008 Celebrate East Lyme Day will start on Main Street at 2:00pm. Main Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from Pennsylvania Ave to Lake Ave. Main Street will remain closed until the conclusion of the Fireworks.  

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Sergeant Joseph San Juan

Administrative Sergeant

East Lyme Police



**Home Host Law**

On October 01, 2006, a new Connecticut law went into effect making it illegal for minors to possess alcohol anywhere, rather than only in public places. Among other things, it also became illegal for someone who possesses, or has control of private property, including a dwelling, to knowingly permit a minor to possess alcohol on the property, or fails to make a reasonable effort to stop a minor from possessing alcohol. The first violation of this law is an infraction. Repeat violations are punishable by incarceration.

Studies have found that more than 60% of teens said that they had consumed alcohol at house parties, and 75% of high school students reported that they got alcohol at home, with or without parental consent. This office encourages parents and care providers to make responsible and educated decisions regarding minors and alcohol and to consider the potential liabilities if they do not.

 

Respectfully submitted;

Sergeant Wilfred J. Blanchette III

Connecticut State Police

East Lyme Resident Trooper


**Confidential Drug Information**

Through education and enforcement, the Resident State Trooper and the East Lyme Police actively pursue information concerning the use, possession and sale of controlled or illegal drugs.  Anyone having information about drug activity in the Town of East Lyme is urged to contact police.  Timely reporting of this information is critical. The East Lyme Police Department can be reached at 739-7007, and the Connecticut State Police, Troop E, can be reached at 848-1201.  All calls will be kept confidential.




**Boating Safety**

The 2008 boating season is currently underway.  As the summer weather is upon us and temperatures rise, more and more boats will be traveling on our waterways.  The East Lyme Police Marine Patrol will be underway throughout the summer months providing education, assistance and enforcement to maintain a safe boating adventure to the boating public.

Below are some quick tips from the nonprofit Tread Lightly! for boating responsibly in the great outdoors. 

  • Travel only in areas open to your type of boat.

  • Carry a Coast Guard approved life vest (PFD) for each person on board.  Make sure children under 12 years old are wearing their PFD while the vessel is underway.

  • Always operate your boat at a safe speed.

  • Always have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boaters, objects, and swimmers.

  • Never jump a wake.

  • If crossing a wake, cross at lower speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.

  • Comply with all signs and barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and underwater obstructions, etc.

  • Make every effort to always go boating with a partner.

  • Obtain charts of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of boat. Make a realistic plan, and stick to it.

  • Always tell someone of your travel plans and file a float plan. 

  • Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly.

  • Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for the entire trip.

  • Make sure your owner’s manual and registration is on board in waterproof containers.

  • Always carry a Coast Guard approved working fire extinguisher.

  • Know your limitations. Apply sunscreen, drink lots of water, and watch your energy level.

  • Prepare for the unexpected by packing necessary emergency items.

  • Know distress signals and warning symbols.

  • Take a boater education course to learn more about navigating waterways and safe and enjoyable boating.

  • Make sure your boat is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies, and a spill kit.

  • Don’t mix boating with alcohol or drugs.

For additional information concerning applicable laws and safety issues, obtain a copy of Connecticut Boater’s Guide 2008 or visit the Department of Environmental Protection Boating Website at www.ct.gov/dep/boating 



 

 

**Safety Tips**

During the months of April and May 2008, The East Lyme Police investigated several nighttime commercial burglaries. Through investigation and evidence obtained at the scenes of these crimes, police were able to develop suspects and build cases against the involved parties.  Arrests are expected in the near future. 

The Resident State Trooper and East Lyme Police wish to assist business owners in protecting their assets.  There are several steps persons may take to safeguard their businesses.


01: Consider investing in a quality surveillance system with a recording capability. This may also benefit your business in regard to insurance.


02: Update emergency contact information with your alarm company.


03: Make sure exterior doors are locked when you, or your employees leave at night.


04: Open cash register drawers and remove monies from the business overnight.


05: Post police and emergency telephone numbers in a conspicuous location so they will be readily available during an emergency.


06: Report any suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately. Do not wait.

 
07: Get the best description possible of the suspect(s) or any involved vehicle. Timely reporting of this information is critical.

If you will be away from your home or business

01: Please contact the East Lyme Resident Troopers Office at 739-7007, or 739-5900, and request that patrol checks are made of your home or business during your absence. Please provide the following information;

  • The dates and times that you will be away.

  • The names and contact information for persons to be notified in the event of emergency

  • The names of persons that may visit the property during your absence (Caretakers, house cleaners, persons caring for animals, etc.).

  • A description of any vehicle that may be at the property.

02: Contact your neighbors, and inform them of your trip and the dates you
will be away

.
03: Request that they contact the police should they see any unexpected people or vehicles on the property.


04: Contact your mail and newspaper carriers and cancel deliveries during your absence. Uncollected mail and packages are flags for potential burglars.

 

**Neighborhood Watch Program**

Anyone interested in participating in the East Lyme Police Neighborhood Watch Program should contact Sergeant Paul Renshaw at 739-5900. 

 

During May of 2008, First Selectman Paul Formica, East Lyme Police Officer James Levandoski and I attended a neighborhood forum at a Webster Road home to discuss issues and concerns specific to residential burglaries in the area.  The discussion resulted in positive feedback by attendees of the forum.  First Selectman Formica and I will make ourselves available to neighborhoods requesting similar type forums to discuss issues and concerns.    To schedule a neighborhood forum, contact Darlene Stevens at the Selectman’s Office (860) 739-6931, ext. 110.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sergeant Wilfred J. Blanchette III 

East Lyme Resident State Trooper