Union Blog

Middletown Police Officer Silvestrini Needs Your Help

Middletown Police Officer Matt Silvestrini, member of 

Support Farmington Police Officer James O'Donnell

On Sept. 20, 2021, Officer James O’Donnell was gravely injured after a suspect intentionally assaulted him with a motor vehicle. 

In Praise of the Officers Who Defended Our Nation’s Capitol

Nearly 8 months after the attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, it’s important to remember what police officers endured while defending our democracy.

Police Locals' Report on 2021 CT General Assembly Session

It will take some time and examination to determine exactly how the new laws that the state legislature passed will impact police officers. The State Capitol still remains closed based on COVID-19, which adds to the difficulty in getting accurate and timely information. But a quick synopsis can be of use. This is a summation of legislative actions that you might want to know about:

The legislature passed an extension of the start date of the new deadly force standard.  It goes into effect on January 1, 2022.

Labor's Push Leads To COVID-19 Assistance Fund for Essential Workers

Organized labor’s determination to help essential workers who were made sick on the job by COVID-19 has led to the creation of the Connecticut Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Fund.

During the budget implementer session in mid-June, state legislators finalized the inclusion of $34 million to establish this fund to assist potentially thousands of essential workers who contracted the novel coronavirus on the job through no fault of their own.

AFSCME Advantage

AFSCME Advantage provides a wealth of free and discounted services to our members. Our national union offers everything from the AFSCME Free College program to discounts for automobiles, travel and leisure, wireless services to help with your mortgage, insurance needs and much more.

Click here to learn more about the AFSCME Advantage.

Please Support the Family of Ofc. Brian Cybulski, Local 1706

On May 18, 2021, Plainville Police Officer Brian Cybulski was killed in a motorcycle accident. Brian was a dedicated member of AFSCME Local 1706.

Here is the statement from the Plainville Police Department:

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Plainville Police Officer Brian Cybulski.

In Memoriam: U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick

Council 4 AFSCME Executive Leadership commented on the tragic death of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick:

"Officer Brian Sicknick was 42 years old, a military veteran who served two overseas tours in the war on terror. He then served in the US Capitol Police for 12 years. He made the ultimate sacrifice, this week, protecting legislators and essential workers inside our Nation’s Capitol. Many other Officers were crushed and beaten by a violent mob. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Sicknick and the officers who are still recovering."

Council 4 Calls for Changes to Police Accountability Bill

Dec. 1, 2020 – Testifying before the Logistics Subcommittee of the Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force, Council 4 representatives called for changes to the police accountability bill that went into effect Oct. 1, 2020.

Sgt. Jeff Reimer, President of the East Windsor Police Union and Chairman the Council 4 Public Safety Committee, and Council 4 Staff Representative-Attorney Lorin Dafoe spoke before the subcommittee. They highlighted problems and flaws with the bill that the legislature should fix in the 2021 General Assembly.

Support the Mike Stanitis Fundraiser

Please help Bridgeport Police Officer Michael Stanitis of AFSCME Local 1159 by contributing to a GoFundMe fundraiser.

This fundraiser was created to help Ofc. Stanitis and his family out during this time of need. He was unjustly fired by the Bridgeport Police Commission on Oct. 22, 2020. 

Council 4 Comments on Police Accountability Legislation

July 30, 2020

Dear AFSCME Police Union Presidents:

Unfortunately, the police accountability bill (HB 6004) passed both chambers of the Connecticut legislature. Governor Lamont is expected to sign it into law on July 31.

(Click here for Council 4's analysis of HB 6004.)