Friday, October 4, 2019
www.northhavencitizen.com
Volume 12, Number 28
Cop: Charity, other scams are ‘quite common’ By Terry Sutton Special to The Citizen
It was the beginning of September when Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas causing widespread destruction and loss of life. As is often the case with these events, some people are using this tragedy as a means to get rich – and not legally. Deputy Fire Chief-Operations Scott Martus, center, directs firefighters during a training session in the new ballistic gear. Photo by Everett Bishop, The Citizen
Firefighters practice rescue skills in new gear By Everett Bishop The Citizen
After months of raising funds from local businesses and facing delays with back orders, the North Haven fire department has finally received its ballistic gear.
vironment necessarily or more violent calls taking place, it’s that the roles and expectations that we’re expected to follow when we arrive on scene, that’s what’s changed.”
The Rescue Task Force concept was developed by the Local firefighters trained in Arlington County fire departtheir new vests and helment in Virginia as a way to mets at Del’oro Plaza on provide emergency medical Washington Avenue on Tues- services, in the fastest way day. Suited up, teams of possible, during an incident. two practiced Rescue Task Force concepts that simulat- “I’m sure everyone in this deed rescuing victims in an ac- partment would go in with or without the vests,” said Fire tive shooter scenario. Commissioner Peter CriscuoFire Chief Paul Januszewski lo. said he feels “more prepared According to Deputy Fire now than we were yesterChief-Operations Scott Marday.” He explained that tus, the gear will remain in “It’s not that we’re talking about a more dangerous en- the department’s vehicles,
readily available, in the event that firefighters need to use it. Martus also said he was working with North Haven police so both departments could train together with the gear in a simulation. “We need to have some level of joint training,” he said. “Ultimately, we are the experts at stopping people from bleeding and hopefully dying but they are the experts at keeping us safe in that instance.”
Criscuolo, who was the one to reach out to local donors for money for the gear, described seeing the gear in action as an “adrenaline rush.” See Rescue, A7
Phone and email scammers are targeting people’s generosity with fake charities with no intention of helping island victims of the storm. The town of Cheshire has had its fair share of complaints regarding these types of scams and others according to Lt. Mike Durkee of the Cheshire Police Department.
“So charity scams, as are all email and phone scams, are quite common,” Durkee explained. “We receive several complaints a week in regards to these types of scams.” Charity scammers make solicitations via emails, phone calls, text messages, and even social media. This concerns Lora Rae Anderson, director of communications for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. “Don't give money on the spot to anyone who approaches you, calls you,
or emails you,” Anderson cautioned. “Be wary of any charity representative that is unwilling to answer your questions, or can't get [you] an answer. Always take time researching which charities to donate to, it's important to look at multiple sources. Organizations like Guide Star, Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and Give.org are great places to start. If a charity is soliciting in the state of Connecticut, they must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection, and you can verify their registration at www.elicense.ct.gov.” Charity scams are not the only problem. Another scam making the rounds involves a call from someone who claims to be from the Social Security Administration and who threatens to cut off benefits to the recipient. This may take the form of an automated messages via phone, email or text message and when callers reply or call back, the scammer tries to get a Social Security number, bank account information and other personal details. From there the criminals behind the scam will empty the bank account and use the Social Security number and other information to open fraudulent accounts. See Scams, A7