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Last I Heard

During the fireworks display two years ago, my neighbors observed more than eight policemen hanging around, waiting for the display to begin and where they stayed until the event ended. In the meantime, illegally parked cars in our neighborhood occupied one side of the street, disregarding the ban completely.

Considering the limited number of policemen on overtime duty that evening, one wonders that, if the majority of them were watching the fireworks, how many were patrolling the streets?

Last Saturday when the beach was reopened, several police cars were present. How long I couldn’t say, but was their large presence necessary? That whimsical behavior typifies our police department in a capsule, but what justifiable reason compelled the promotion (and salary increase) of two of its members? Conversely, what good would the promoted officers do for us now that they were unable to do before? Incidentally, how many of our fellow residents have lost their jobs or are earning less today?

Should we perhaps consider exempting those who’ve lost jobs from paying taxes, for if our elected leaders could be unjustifiably generous even during this unstable economic time, should we not do the same for our neighbors?

Last Feb 28. I emailed Chief of Police Ed Lennon a complaint about a troubling encounter with a patrolman whose behavior is more akin to a punk than a law enforcement officer. I received from him an email acknowledging receipt and promising follow-up from a supervisor. That was the last I heard.

Years ago I complained about policemen parking their cars haphazardly, indifferent to the dangers it poses to other motor vehicles. Now-Captain Joseph Murgo investigated and dismissed it as being meritless.

Protect each other: their motto.

Oni Sioson

East Haven