Union Blog

East Windsor Police & Dispatchers on a mission to support local child in need

East Windsor's First Responders (East Windsor Police AFSCME Local 3583, Dispatchers AFSCME Local 1303-460, and firefighters) are te

Bridgeport Police Union condemn City Councilor's derogatory remarks about police officers

Statement from Michael Salemme III, President AFSCME Local 1159 Bridgeport Police Union in response to

Courageous Public Safety Members Honored for Council 4 Law Enforcement Awards

On November 8, over 300 people attended Council 4's biennial Law Enforcement Awards at the Aria Banquet Hall in Prospect. This year Council 4 awarded 36 police and correction officer members for th

Daring boat rescue shows Connecticut police officers commitment to public safety

Stratford Police Department, Capt. Anthony Rhew and Sgt. Joseph Maida are proud to protect their Connecticut community. It’s not just a job for them, it’s a calling.  

“I like being out with the public and problem-solving,” Maida explained about his career in law enforcement that started in 2006 as a sworn officer in Stratford. 

Council 4 Law Enforcement Awards Dinner: Nov 8

LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS DINNER

November 8, 2023
6:00 p.m. Appetizers|
7:00 p.m. Dinner

The Law Enforcement Award’s Dinner is an opportunity for Law Enforcement Officers to recognize the life threatening situations these Officers have survived with honor. The Dinner will recognize the support given to officers by their families and will further honor the spouses of our fallen brothers and sisters.

2023 Legislative Session Police Issues Wrap-Up

Council 4 members and the political staff accomplished a lot during the Connecticut General Assembly's most recent legislative session, which ended June 7. Members submitted ideas that were submitted as bills to try and improve officer working conditions. Council 4 officers testified and submitted testimony in favor of and against bills. We were also able to shift the conversation to show the importance and benefit of officers. This is an update on some of the most significant bills.

AFSCME Council 4 Statement on Bristol Fallen Officers

AFSCME Council 4 Statement on Bristol Fallen Officers

"We’re devastated by the deaths of Bristol police officers Sgt. Dustin Demonte and Ofc. Alex Hamzy who were killed in the line of duty," Jody Barr, AFSCME Council 4 Executive Director said. 

"This shocking news reminds us all of the commitment police officers make every day to serve and protect their communities despite the imminent dangers they face on the job. 

Middletown Police Officer Silvestrini Needs Your Help

Middletown Police Officer Matt Silvestrini, member of #AFSCME Lo

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. 

Officer O'Donnell suffered devasting, crushing pelvic injuries. He faces long road to full recovery, which is expected to be a year or more, and will be away from his wife, two-year old son, and 6 month old daughter for some time,

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.

One of them was attacked with a flagpole and sprayed with a chemical.

Another heard someone say, “Kill him with his own gun,” before he was dragged into the crowd, beaten unconscious and repeatedly shocked with his own Taser.

A third was verbally pelted with racial slurs over and over before he was assaulted.

A fourth was crushed in a door, bashed in the head, and nearly lost an eye. 

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.