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Police Department Honors Those Who Protect and Serve the Orange Community

By Melissa Nicefaro – Orange Town News Correspondent

Orange Police Chief Robert Gagne believes that the most effective tool in fighting crime is cooperation, and he doesn’t have to look very far to find evidence of that belief. The Orange Police Department honored 12 police officers, a dispatcher and nine civilians at an awards ceremony Thursday, May 16. “They are honored for their outstanding efforts to help protect and serve the community,” Gagne said of the police officers. Police were honored for their integrity and professionalism, and the civilians were recognized for their cooperation, their keen eye and persistence in getting the proper information to police. “We’ve witnessed that cooperation in Newtown, and in Boston recently, but we also saw it right here in Orange when an entire community mobilized to find a missing teenager feared to be kidnapped,” Gagne said.

It was Linda Subbloie’s cooperation and keen eye that had her take a second trip past the roadside shack where Isabella Oleschuk, a missing child from Orange, was hiding. The information she provided helped police discover her whereabouts. She was honored with a civilian award.

Orange teen Alexandra D’Aurio, was recognized for the confidence and maturity she showed in helping an eight-year-old child who otherwise could have drowned in a pool during a backyard party.

Similar awards went to Susan Cambria and Steven Cifarelli, who helped police arrest individuals who were suspected in home burglaries. Russell Allen, Ronglin Yang, Robert Milewski, Theresa Skinner and Adam Luth also were honored with civilian awards at the ceremony.

In all, 12 police officers and a dispatcher were honored with letters of recognition, letters of commendation, certificates of commendation and lifesaving awards. During the ceremony, Guest Speaker Connecticut State Police Master Sargent Eric Murray encouraged the police officers to be leaders. “From the day you walk across that stage and receive your oath, you are a leader. You have a unique responsibility—realize how important your role is in the community,” Murray said.

He posed several thought-provoking stories to them and asked them to always remember to not be afraid to break away from the ‘bureaucratic ritualism’ and make changes. He also encouraged the crowd to follow through on intentions. “Put those intentions into action. One worthwhile degree of effort can make all of the difference,” he said.

For police officers honored with an award, that worthwhile degree was found in one last ditch effort to drive by an area where a suspect was last seen. The suspect was spotted and arrested. Or it was that one last bar they checked for a man who had allegedly just beaten his wife that resulted in the apprehension of the suspect they were seeking.

In each story, there was a sense of teamwork between officers that sometimes rely on help from town residents. “You each make a difference with your individual and collective acts,” Gagne said to the recipients. “Thank you for a job well done.”

Al-Anon Parents Meeting, Monday nights, 7:30pm year-round, United Church of Christ, Plymouth Building, 18 West Main Street, Milford – supporting parents of alcoholics and/or substance abusers. For more information, go to www.ct-al-anon.org or call Margaret at (203) 877-4313.

Nicotine Anonymous Meetings, Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Trinity Lutheran Church, 21 Robert Treat Parkway, Milford, open to all, no dues or fees, only requirement is the desire to be free of nicotine. For more information, call Bridges, 203-878-6365.

Zumba Gold Classes At Congregation Or Shalom, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Road, simple and easy routines to follow, designed for people of all ages and no experience is needed. If interested, call Robin at 203.314.8176 or temple office at 203.799.2341.

Clean Energy Task Force of Orange, meets on the third Tuesday of every month at HPCC, 525 Orange Center Road, conference room, 8 o'clock. The public is invited.

Orange Arts & Culture Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:30pm, Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road. The public is invited.

Orange Recycling Committee meets every 3rd Wednesday except for January, July & August, 7pm, HPCC conference room, 525 Orange Center Road, public is invited to attend. For more information, email Orangerecycles@gmail.com.

Blood Pressure Clinic presented by Gentiva & Maplewood of Orange, 1st Thursday of every month, Maplewood of Orange (formerly Laurel Estates), 245 Indian River Road, 1:30-2:30pm in the Community Room. No appointment necessary.

The Rotary Club Of Orange meets every Friday, 12:15pm at the Racebrook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue; prospective new members may contact Diane Eger at 203-530-4526 or visit www.orangectrotary.org for information about the club.

Orange Historical Society Academy Antique & Gift Shop Museum, open Saturdays, 10:00am-3:00pm. For information call 203 795-3106.

Trap Falls Kennel Club Dog Training Classes, AKC Puppy STAR - targeting dogs under 12 months old in focusing and obedience; Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class; Family Manners Class - beginning and intermediate/advanced. All classes are held in Shelton at Pawz for Wellness. Call 203-450-9485 or email: tfkctraining@gmail.com for more information.

Pets Supplies Plus Celebrates 17th Anniversary, June is our 17th year anniversary! To celebrate we are having a dancing dog mascot , balloons, and animal adoption events. We are also raffling off items such as gift cards and handing out food/treat samples. This will be during the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th weekends of June. For more information, contact Steve at 203-799-7387 or www.petsuppliesplus.com www.facebook.com/PSPorangeCT.

Hooked on the Sound Crochet Guild, Saturdays, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7, 2013; 10am-1pm, Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road, small meeting room on 2nd level (elevator available); share stitch successes, assist with pattern problems and have a great time crocheting, no fee. For more information, visit http://hotscrochetguild.yolasite.com/, Email HOTSCrochetGuild@Live.com.

Trap Falls Kennel Club TDI Testing (Therapy Dog International), Sunday, June 2, 2013, 10:00am to mid-afternoon, outside at Apple Rehab, 5 Lake Road, Shelton CT. Those interested must pre-register by calling 203-877-6157.

Milford Rotary's Lobster Bake, Saturday, July 27, 2013, Milford Boat Works, 1 High Street, Milford, rain or shine; raffle and commemorative T-shirt sale; Tickets - $40/pp, children/$5 available on the Milford Rotary website, Milford Bank on Broad Street, Milford Photo or any Milford Rotarian - no tickets sold at the door.