FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2018
The union representing Montville Police Officers today urged the town to reconsider a proposal to terminate the employment of Master Police Officer Robin Salvatore.
In a letter dated March 14, 2018, Mayor Ronald McDaniel notified Salvatore that the Town was “proposing to separate you from employment” due to ongoing medical issues stemming from injuries she sustained responding to an incident last year. (A copy of the letter is attached to this press release.)
“We urge the town to continue employing Officer Salvatore while she recovers from serious injuries she sustained protecting the public in the line of duty,” said Kevin Murphy, the Director of Collective Bargaining and Organizing for Council 4 of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Council 4 is the parent union of Local 2504, which represents Montville Police Officers. Salvatore is the immediate past president of the local union.
“It’s unfortunate the town is considering termination,” Murphy added. “We will continue fighting to protect the rights and benefits that provide our injured members with their livelihoods and their dignity while they recover.”
Salvatore was injured Jan. 29, 2017 when responding to a call at the Chesterfield Motel, during which she shot and killed a suspect who violently attacked her.
On March 19, 2018, Windham State’s Attorney Anne Mahoney cleared Salvatore of any wrongdoing. According to Mahoney, “[Salvatore] was justified ... in using deadly physical force upon another person, namely Mr. Val Thomas. Since Mr. Thomas repeatedly struck her in the head with a blunt object that could have caused death or serious physical injury and stated that he intended to kill her, Officer Salvatore was justified in the use of deadly physical force.”
Salvatore plans to return to her position. “I love being a police officer,” she said. “I’ve dedicated my career to community policing and want to get back to the Montville Police Department as soon as I’m fully recovered.”
Montville Police Officer Karen Moorehead, who is now the bargaining unit president, also urged the Montville officials to do the right thing by keeping Salvatore employed while she recovers.
“Officer Salvatore acted heroically while doing the job the town asked her to do,” Moorehead commented. “I would hope the town is willing to stand by an officer who has proven her commitment to serving and protecting the people.”
Contact: Larry Dorman, Council 4, (860) 989-9127 or [email protected]
