www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 28
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Veteran police officers promoted By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Gratefulness for the support of the town was a common theme at a promotion ceremony for two local police officers in late August. “It’s just great to be a part of law enforcement in this community,” said Lieutenant Shawn Solek, who was elevated from the rank of sergeant to manage the department’s operations division, which encompasses 22 officers and six patrol supervisors. Sergeant Rob Martin said out of the four departments he has worked in, including 21 years in New Britain, he has never seen another with the degree of commitment his fellow officers show for their community. “I assure you, I will not let
this community down. I love this community,” said Martin. The promotions were met from applause from the crowded rotunda of the Town Hall, where the Monday, Aug. 26 ceremony was held with town officials, family and plenty of officers congratulating their brothers. Solek’s badge was pinned to his uniform by his father, John Solek, a retired Berlin Police sergeant, while Martin’s was pinned by his wife, Sherri Martin, who wore her own uniform –she’s an officer with the Enfield Police Department. Solek, who has been with the department for 12 years, is taking over after Lieutenant James Gosselin re-
From left, Berlin Police Lt. Shawn Solek, Deputy Chief Christopher Ciuci, Chief John Klett and Sgt. Rob Martin pose in the rotunda of the Berlin Town Hall after a promotion Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen See Police, A6 ceremony for Solek and Martin on Monday, Aug. 26.
Historical society, veterans bring WWII project to fair The Berlin Veterans Commission and the Berlin Historical Society are bringing a special project to the Berlin Fair this year. Organizers say they hope the public will come out and learn more about those who served as well as the country’s military history. The commission also is seeking to improve and add to its ongoing project at Walter V. Duplin’s letters home from World War II will be featured at the Berlin Fair this month. This is an example of the slides the Berlin Veterans Commission is creating for its Digital Wall of Honor.
Town Hall with more input from local veterans and their families.
Berlin Fair project At the Berlin Fair this month, the Berlin Historical Society Museum Barn will put the focus on Berlin veterans honoring those who served in World War II. The society will have mannequins in uniform, pictures, and information about World War II veterans. In the photo gallery area, will be a display of Berlin’s Joe Blackburn’s WW II Envelope Art. Every letter he sent See WWII, A13