Fireworks are Illegal in Connecticut...???

...As the July 4th holiday approaches, the Connecticut State Police and the State Fire Marshal want to remind Connecticut residents that fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut.

The public has been overwhelmed with advertisements, signs and sales pitches of so-called fireworks. It is important to understand that the only legal “Fireworks” items in Connecticut are sparklers.

July 4th always raises questions about what is legal as far as fireworks and sparklers are concerned. Many questions are received by State Troopers, Fire Marshals, Resident Troopers, and local Police statewide regarding fireworks.  The questions reveal that many people are confused as to which “fireworks” can be used by citizens in our state.

To avoid confusion and caution our citizens Connecticut Law 29-357 is very specific.

 "Only sparklers are legal in the State of Connecticut. Sparklers are NON-EXPLOSIVE, NON-AERIAL devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture. Sparklers can only be legally used in Connecticut by person(s) age 16 or older.  

Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut".  

In addition to being illegal, exploding devices are dangerous.  Many illegal exploding fireworks sold in other states are illegal here and have caused serious injury in the past.

A number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to fireworks.

The danger that exists with these types of incidents, besides the damage to property, is an endangerment to human life. If a fire or explosion of any type causes damage or destruction, the intentional starting of that fire or intentionally causing that explosion could be designated as an arson, which is a Class C felony.

The safest way to enjoy this year’s Independence Day celebration is to attend a public display conducted at a state approved site by Connecticut licensed pyro-technicians.

~ From the desk of Lt. J. Paul Vance

*For a list of area public fireworks displays, visit The Haddams-Killingworth Patch at: 

http://thehaddams-killingworth.patch.com/groups/summer/p/find-fireworks-for-4th-of-july-in-2013-in-connecticut_abdad521

State Police Seek Teens Interested in Law Enforcement Careers

State Police Troop K Cadet Post # 028  is looking for teens, ages 14 to 20 years old, interested in careers in the field of criminal justice or law enforcement. 

The Cadet program is a leadership organization which emphasizes the development of responsibility and discipline.  

Through the Cadet program, teens have received training in basic law enforcement skills, including crime scene processing, hand-cuffing procedures, evidence processing, training with the National Guard stationed at Camp Niantic, CPR, First Aid, firearms safety, military drills and a basic understanding of the law. 

Cadets serve the community by assisting troopers with traffic control and security at local community events, such as fairs, concerts and toy drives.

They have competed in state-wide competitions against other Cadet Posts in events such as felony motor vehicle stops, evasive driving, search and control, and firearms training. 

Troop K State Police Cadets recently won various medals in competitive mock police events at the annual Stations Day Competition hosted by the Connecticut State Police in Meriden. Out of 34 teams from throughout Connecticut and New York, the Troop K Cadets placed 10th.

Photo: Connecticut Stations Day: (L-R) Cadets Matt Hurlbert, Corey Lobdel, Rachel Lawrence, Shayne Bermudez and Dan Holt.

Cadets may also be responsible for coordinating special events outside of meetings such as fundraising, community service, and leadership events. Proceeds from these events may be used to purchase uniforms and equipment. 

Past Cadets have continued to pursue their interest in criminal justice and law enforcement by attending college (including military college), or enlisting in the National Guard or the United States Marine Corps.

Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Troop K, located at 15 Old Hartford Road, Colchester, CT.

Photo: Troop K Cadets: (Top L-R) Advisor Trooper Dan Greenwood, Mike Dubois, Chazz Pinell, Andy Lochowski and Josh Parlee. (2nd Row) Tori Lauria and Chloe DiCosimo. (3rd Row) Advisor Nate Lochowski, Auxillary State Trooper & Advisor Mindy Johnston and Rachel Lawrence. (Lower Left) Advisor Michael McKiernan. 

For more information about the Cadet program, you  may contact either Advisor Michael McKiernan at michael.p.mckiernan@gmail. com or Advisor Nate Lochowski at nlochowski@gmail.com or by calling 860-537-7555, ext.# 4099.

*Photos above courtesy of Michael McKiernan

Boaters Beware: Thieves on the Prowl at the Moodus Reservoir

Recently and over the past several months, boats have been disappearing from properties around the upper and lower Moodus Reservoir.

More than a half-dozen boats (and a kayak with an estimated value of $1,000) have gone missing.

Most of the vessels that have been stolen have been described as smaller, 10 to 14- foot aluminum boats. There has been discussion among some residents about the possibility that the person(s) responsible for the thefts may be turning them in to scrap-metal companies in exchange for cash.

Some of the boats belong to residents that own homes that are considered "seasonal cottages", as well as some that are only occupied on weekends. Others are year-round homes, and boats are believed to have been taken during the daytime hours when homeowners are away at work.

The boats are generally being taken from the yards rather than by way of the lake, although over the years there have been incidents where some boats and canoes have been stolen from the shoreline.

According to Officers Harold Lindo and Larry Golet, of the Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police, or EnCon Police, boat owners need to be vigilant.

One of the most important items for a boat owner to have documented, according to Lindo and Golet, in case their boat is stolen would be the Hull Identification Number, or HIN. These letters and/or numbers are the 12 digits that are inscribed on a boat that uniquely identify it, much the same as a VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number on a motor-vehicle. By having these numbers available for police in the event of theft, these can help to validate ownership when a boat is stolen, but later recovered. 

The HIN number is not to be confused with the "Registration Number" (or stickers) which are usually located on the sides of the boat:

"I would also advise boat owners to engrave the (HIN) numbers in an additional (hidden) location, since thieves have often tampered with these numbers after stealing a boat, sometimes simply scratching them off to make the boat unidentifiable," Lindo said. 

The HIN number is listed on a title, registration or insurance certificate, but in the case of a boat that doesn't need these types of documents, such as a rowboat, this detail can sometimes be overlooked.

"Anything extra that can be done to act as a deterrent, such as some type of a locking system rather than just to keep your boat tied to a dock is also helpful. If a would-be thief has to do any extra work to steal the boat, they'll sometimes just move on," said Lindo.

It can be helpful to keep your boat in plain view from your home, when it's secured to a dock on the shoreline of your property, so you would notice if anyone suspicious could be lurking around it from the water. Neighbors can be helpful for keeping an eye out if they are close by and stay aware. 

Having a thorough description of your vessel for police, such as length, color, make and model is important, as well as a photo if possible. If your boat is on a trailer in your yard, be sure to keep a padlock on the trailer coupler so it cannot be easily hooked up to a vehicle and driven away.

If you are a seasonal or part-time resident and are planning to be away from your property for any length of time, keep your boat out of sight and stored in a locked garage or shed if possible.

If you have questions or concerns regarding general boating safety rules or regulations, or need to report any violations or illegal activity related to the use of the lake, you may contact the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Boating Safety Division at 860-424-3333.

In the case of any emergency, always immediately dial 911.

If you are a victim of a boat theft, you may report it to the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226, or the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-537-7500.

"If You See Something, Say Something," and if you want to report any suspicious activity, but prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the East Haddam (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

*Photos above depicting Hull Identification and Registration Numbers have been used with permission and are courtesy of HINvalid.com.

Stolen Motor-Vehicle, Rocks and Jewelry, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief, Burglary and Larceny through 6-14-13

The East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester report the following incidents:

LARCENY: ROCKS TAKEN FROM A STONE WALL - On June 3, a resident of Davison Road in Moodus reported that unknown person(s) had removed rocks from a stone wall on her property. Anyone with possible information is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT - On June 8 at approximately 2:21 p.m., Donald Thomas, 37, of Liberty Street, Middletown was traveling westbound on Route 151 in East Haddam, on a 1985 Harley-Davidson XLH. Police said that Thomas failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the motorcycle. He was transported to Hartford Hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. Police issued Thomas an infraction for making a restricted turn.

CONSPIRACY, BURGLARY AND LARCENY - On June 9 at 12:30 p.m., Peter Ezold, 29, of Lake Hayward Road, Colchester was arrested, pursuant to a warrant for 3rd-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit 3rd-degree burglary, 3rd-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit 3rd-degree larceny. Ezold was held on a $25,000 bond and given a court date of 6/10/13. On a separate warrant, Ezold was also arrested for 3rd-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit 3rd-degree burglary and 2nd-degree larceny. Bond was set for $75,000 and Ezold was scheduled to face these charges on 6/10/13 as well, at Norwich Superior Court. The investigating officer was unable to be contacted for further details regarding these incidents, and no press release is available at this time.

LARCENY: STOLEN JEWELRY - On June 11, East Haddam Police received a complaint from a Falls Road, Moodus resident, reporting that jewelry had been stolen from her home. The case is under investigation and anyone who may have information that could help police is asked to contact the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226.

LARCENY: STOLEN MOTOR-VEHICLE - On June 12, an Olmstead Road, East Haddam resident reported that his 2000 Honda Accord, green in color, had been taken from his driveway. The car has a license plate bearing Connecticut registration number 760-YLS. Police are asking anyone who might happen to see this vehicle to immediately contact the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester at 860-537-7500.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS, CRIMINAL MISCHIEF AND BURGLARY - On June 12, Emily Mackenzie, 18, of Great Hill Road, Portland was arrested, pursuant to a warrant, and charged with 1st-degree criminal trespassing, 3rd-degree criminal mischief and 3rd-degree burglary. Mackenzie was held on a $7,500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 6/13/13.

LARCENY - On June 13, Daniel O'Mara, 23, of Berry Lane, East Haddam was arrested, pursuant to a warrant and charged with 6th-degree larceny. O'Mara was released on a $500 bond and given a court date of 6/25/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

LARCENY: STOLEN JEWELRY - On June 14, East Haddam Police received a report of stolen jewelry from a Falls Road, Moodus resident. The incident was reported to have taken place several months ago, and is now actively under investigation. Anyone with possible information is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226 or the Connecticut State Police, Troop K at 860-537-7500. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

*An arrest or infraction does not indicate a conviction, and all individuals listed in these reports are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

East Haddam & Moodus Businesses Commended for Making the Effort to Reduce Youth Access to Alcohol

On the evening of Friday, June 7th, agents from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Division of Liquor Control and the Resident Trooper’s Office of East Haddam conducted compliance checks of package stores, grocery stores, and restaurants in East Haddam and Moodus.

This followed a series of TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) training sessions offered to local businesses that either sell or serve alcohol by East Haddam Youth & Family Services and the East Haddam Local Prevention Council.

Compliance checks are an effective means of reducing youth access to alcohol. Young people, under the age of 21, who had been trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership, entered nine (9) locations in town and attempted to purchase alcohol as a minor.

East Haddam Youth & Family Services and the East Haddam Local Prevention Council would like to acknowledge those businesses in town that were found to be in compliance for enforcement of CT state liquor laws by not allowing the sale to minors.

The premises in compliance are:

• American Legion, Moodus
• Gelston House,  East Haddam
• Hilltop BBQ & Steak House, Moodus
• Moodus Package Store, Moodus
• Sanibel Farms,  East Haddam
• Two Doors Down, Moodus

We commend those businesses in our town that did not allow young people to purchase alcohol in their establishments and we thank them for helping to keep our kids safe, strong and substance-free.

*Press release provided by East Haddam Youth & Family Services

Local Businesses Cited for Selling Liquor to Minors

On Friday evening, June 7th, agents from the Department of Consumer Protection, Division of Liquor Control partnered with the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office to conduct compliance checks of area package stores, grocery stores and restaurants in East Haddam and Moodus.

Minors who had been trained and provided by the "Governor's Prevention Partnership" also participated.

A total of nine locations were tested for compliance, with four of them failing by allegedly selling alcoholic beverages to one of the minors.

“Compliance operations help us to identify licensed or permitted locations that are selling alcoholic beverages to minors,” Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said.  “Our goal is to find businesses that sell to minors and bring them into compliance with state liquor laws. If the volunteer youth are asked their age before making a liquor purchase, they will hand over their actual ID, and tell their true age.”

The following businesses were reported as allegedly failing the compliance checks:

• Fox Hopyard Golf Club
• La Vita Gustosa
• Swing Bridge Wine & Spirits
• The Town Tavern

“We are disappointed that four stores tested in East Haddam allegedly failed the routine compliance check,” Rubenstein said. “Providing alcohol to minors is a serious breach of our permitees’ obligations, and we will take steps to assure that violators modify their procedures in order to comply with State law.”

These establishments are charged with selling liquor to a minor and will be scheduled for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission, where each will have the opportunity to address the charges.

“We express our thanks to the East Haddam Resident Trooper’s Office for their collaboration, and to the Governor’s Prevention Partnership for its ongoing support,” Rubenstein said.

*Information provided by the Department of Consumer Protection

Motor-Vehicle vs. Guardrails, Possession of Marijuana & Drug Paraphernalia, Speeding, Burglary and DUI through 5-31-13

The East Haddam Police and the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester report the following incidents:

SPEEDING - On May 18 at approximately 1:50 p.m., East Hampton Police observed Aaron Cost, 37, of Laurel Cove Road, East Haddam traveling along Route 16 in East Hampton. Police report that Cost was driving 31 miles-per-hour over the posted speed limit of 50 miles-per-hour. She was issued a motor-vehicle summons for speeding and given a court date of 5/29/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS, TRAVELING UNREASONABLY FAST, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA AND POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA - On May 24 at approximately 7:45 p.m., Alexander Vandersip, 23, of Harbor View Avenue, Waterford was pulled over by East Haddam Police on the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike in East Haddam. Police immediately noticed the odor of marijuana while conducting the traffic stop, and the driver subsequently turned over marijuana and drug paraphernalia to the investigating officer. Vandersip reportedly failed standardized field sobriety tests and was arrested and charged with the above violations. He was later released on a $500 bond and scheduled to appear at Middletown Superior Court on 6/19/13.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS - On May 25 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Scott Lefkowitz, 50, of Augusta Circle, Moodus was observed while parked in his vehicle at the St. Bridget's Cemetery on North Moodus Road in Moodus. As police approached the vehicle, they observed that keys were in the ignition and in the "on" position. Police said that Lefkowitz was also observed in process of drinking alcohol in the vehicle at the time. After failing the standardized field sobriety tests, Lefkowitz was placed under arrest and charged with DUI. He was transported to Troop K and processed, then later released on a $500 bond. Lefkowicz was given a court date of 6/12/13 at Middletown Superior Court.

MOTOR-VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD - On May 25 at 11:26 p.m., Lauren Allen, 20, of New Street, Fairfield was traveling southbound on Route 149, just north of Trowbridge Road in Moodus, operating a 1998 Saturn SL2. Police said that Allen's vehicle left the roadway off to the right side and entered a wooded area. No injuries were reported. Police issued Allen an infraction for traveling unreasonably fast.

MOTOR-VEHICLE vs. GUARDRAILS - On May 26 at approximately 5:08 a.m., Kayla Zalewski, 19, of Maple Avenue, East Haddam was traveling northbound on Route 82 in East Haddam in the area of Banning Road, driving a 1996 Chevy Cavalier. Police said that Zalewski's vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck wire-rope guardrails. Zalewski was transported to the Middlesex Shoreline Clinic for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. Police issued Zalewski a verbal warning for failure to drive upon the right.

BURGLARY AND LARCENY - On May 27. a resident of Cragmere Road in East Haddam reported to police that she believed that her neighbor's cottage had been burglarized. Police observed a rear window screen that had been pushed in and an adjacent window had been shattered. The homeowner of the targeted residence has a Sacramento, California address, and police are attempting to contact them. Anyone who may have information that could assist police with this investigation is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226, or at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester at 860-537-7500. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

LARCENY: STOLEN BOAT - On May 30, a resident of Shore Road in Moodus, located on the upper Moodus Reservoir, reported that their 12-foot aluminum boat had been stolen from their property. Anyone with possible information is asked to contact Corporal Karl Karabienikoff at the East Haddam Resident Troopers' Office at 860-873-1226, or at the Connecticut State Police, Troop K in Colchester at 860-537-7500. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you may leave a voice-mail on the (confidential) Crime Tip Line at 860-873-5013.

FAILURE TO GRANT THE RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY - On May 31 at approximately 7:28 a.m., Roy Normand, 56, of Willimantic Road, Chaplin was traveling along Ballahack Road in East Haddam in a 2006 Mitsubishi Triton. As Valerie Lanning, 52, of Ballahack Road was attempting to back out of her driveway, operating a 2009 Toyota Corolla, she collided with Normand's vehicle. No injuries were reported, but police issued Lanning an infraction for the above violation.

An arrest or infraction does not indicate a conviction, and all individuals listed in these reports are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.