Volume 19, Number 40
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
www.berlincitizen.com
Thursday, December 3, 2015
BPD assessed for reaccreditation By Ashley Kus
Hall. Accessors Gary Vest, Chief of Police of the Powell, Ohio Police Department, and Jeffery Smythe, Chief Officers from the Berlin Police De- of Police of the Burlington, North partment, along with two accessors Carolina Police Department, introfrom the Commission on Accredita- duced the session in the Town Countion for Law Enforcement Agencies, cil Chambers. Vest explained the accreditation Inc. (CALEA), held a public information session for reaccreditation of the process and opened the floor to the department Monday, Nov. 16, at Town public for questions and concerns. The Berlin Citizen
The chambers was void of residents, however, but this was viewed as a positive thing. The accessors explained the lack of public participation meant that residents were not voicing grievances concerning the department. Though the department will not know whether it has been accredited for three more years until March, record shows the odds are in its favor.
“The Berlin Police Department has voluntarily contracted the commission to work toward the reaccreditation and thereby continue to demonstrate this professional excellence,” Vest said. The department is currently in compliance with all 317 mandatory See Reaccreditation / Page A2
Local effort aims to keep the homeless warm
A MAGICAL NIGHT
By Ashley Kus The Berlin Citizen
Raising Berlin’s 7th annual tree-lighting event was held at Veterans Park Saturday, Nov. 28. While the rain kept some folks away, those who did attend had a merry time; the highlight of the evening being the arrival of Santa Claus aboard Kensington Fire-Rescue’s Santa’s Express. | Lee Roski / Special to The Citizen
With the winter weather fast approaching, coats, mittens, and scarves are mandatory. However, for many in the region, warm winter clothes are not an option. Berlin resident Sharon Orlich is working with the Friendship Service Center on Arch Street in New Britain to make sure those less fortunate are bundled up in the freezing temperatures. “It’s the season for giving back,” she said. Orlich, an administrative See Homeless / Page A2
Call 860.347.2300 Today for guaranteed delivery for Christmas!
500 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457 860-347-2300 • www.oakandvelvet.com
FINE UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE
• Fine Upholstered Furniture • Custom Slip Covers • Custom Draperies • Re-Upholstery 30827-02
Deal Directly with our Local Custom Workroom