Government/Town

Police Pension Issue Resolution Pending

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A festering dispute relating to a police officer’s pension resulted in disputes between the local Police Union and (some members of) the Police Commission (including our regular cartoonist Rick Stromoski), and the First Selectman’s Office. At this time, it appears that the dispute, while not fully resolved, has come to a head. And the resolution of the dispute may lead to greater clarity regarding the administration of the town’s pension. The underlying dispute involved whether an employee absent from work due to workplace injury covered by workers compensation is entitled to receive pension credit for that time. Officer Jeff Reynolds was out of work from October 2008 until October 2010, following serious injuries suffered as a result of being struck by cars while making police stops.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

Shop 350

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Looking for Suffield themed gifts for the holidays? The 350th anniversary committee is selling logo sweat shirts and ball caps, a collectable ornament, and the Suffield 1869 map reproduction.

Government/Town

SPD Captain Sworn and Pinned

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Captain James Canon, Jr. was welcomed into the Suffield Police Department several months ago (September Suffield Observer, Pg. 7), but it took a few weeks to get the paper work settled. Finally, on the afternoon of November 7, the Department’s Zak Community Room was packed with friends and family and a diversity of visiting police officers ready to honor and celebrate the next step in the impressive career of this new Suffield leader. First Selectman Melissa Mack said she was happy to have such an experienced officer to assist the Department in its continuing improvement. Police Commissioner Kenneth Pascoe said he thought Canon’s selection was an excellent choice.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

Paint a Mini Barn Quilt!

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Paint a mini barn quilt at the A Stroke of Color gallery on Saturday, January 11, at 1 p.m. The gallery is in the Masonic lodge on Bridge Street, across from the Senior Center. 

Several patterns are available. The program is open to both adults and young people. Cost is $25 per person. Primed wood and paint will be provided, as well as expert coaching by Lynda Montefusco. Email Suffield350.org or leave a message at 860-758-0115 to sign up.

Suffield 350th Anniversary Committee

350th Anniversary Trivia

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Which club planted the original dogwoods on Main Street? a. The Woman’s Club b. The Suffield Beautification Committee
c. The Suffield Garden ClubDuring World War II, Bradley Field was the location for what? a. An Army air base
b. A Red Cross Station Hospital
c. A Training base for Chinese pilotsIn 1964, Mary Edwards, a well-known Hartford landscape architect, designed a garden for what Suffield property? a. Hugh Alcorn’s house
b. The Suffield Academy
c. The Phelps-Hatheway HouseWhat are the Fatal Vision Goggles which are available from the Suffield Local Prevention Council (SLPC)? a. They provide vision support to people who play Pokemon Go in order to prevent fatalities while playing the game.

Government/Town

Controversial SPD Study Published

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The final report of a comprehensive study of the Suffield Police Department’s operation, initiated early this year, was distributed to the Selectmen and the Police Commission in October and published on the Town website at the end of that month. First Selectman Melissa Mack and Police Commission Chairman Kenneth Pascoe then called a joint special meeting of the Selectmen and the Commissioners on November 4 in the Middle School auditorium.About a hundred attendees were there. First Selectman Mack asked Attorney Eric Daigle of the Daigle Law Group, who did the study, to give a short summary of the project and its 59-page report. 

As described by Attorney Daigle and the report itself, the study entailed interviews, surveys, and the review of relevant documents. His emphasis throughout was to assure the safety of the police officers and to reduce the probability of expensive liability. The Daigle report produced 10 specific findings and 42 recommendations.

Government/Town

Vets Day Observed

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Government offices on all levels were closed on Veterans Day, along with banks and the U.S. Post Office. Like most businesses, Suffield schools remained open, along with most other schools statewide, with the day’s significance to be discussed in classrooms and assemblies.