Waterford and Ledyard Police Create Special Response Team
The Town of Waterford and the Waterford Police Department are pleased to announce that a multi-year effort has culminated in an inter-local agreement with the Town of Ledyard involving the two municipalities Special Response Teams.
The agreement, which was approved through the legislative bodies of each community, allows the two teams to respond as one to the most challenging calls police may face. Developing this team allows these highly trained officers to respond to calls which can be particularly dangerous to the public and to have a lead role in de-escalation efforts to achieve the safest resolution for all.
Although the two teams have trained together for years, the Towns have now agreed to allocate staff to serve on the combined Special Response Team and designate Team Commanders supervised by the respective Police Chiefs. The Towns have pledged to pursue grant opportunities to assist with acquiring needed resources and additional training opportunities.
Waterford Police Chief Marc Balestracci stated that he was pleased that both communities see the value in working together on this effort. When a major incident happens, the reality is many of our towns and cities will need to work together and this is just another step in securing partnerships that could benefit our residents as well as our first responders and thanked First Selectman Brule, Mayor Allyn and Chief Rich for the support that was needed to reach this point.
