Mayor's brother not among police rookies

RICHARD WEIZEL
Article Last Updated: 07/26/2008 12:26:53 AM EDT

STRATFORD — With the hiring of 14 new police officers — 12 of whom are now in training — the town's police ranks will be at the full authorized level of 112 officers for the first time in a decade, according to police officials.

But one recent applicant, Christian Miron, the younger brother of Mayor James R. Miron, is not among the rookies.

Police Chief John Buturla isn't saying why.

"We are very happy that in the coming months new police officers will be joining the department to bring us up to full capacity," Buturla said, declining to discuss the younger Miron's bid to join the Police Department. The chief would say only that with "two ongoing investigations" into the March leaking of background information from Christian Miron's personnel file "it would be inappropriate for me to comment" on his status.

Capt. Kenneth Bakalar said three women are among the 14 new officers, who will be joining the force as they graduate from police academies in the coming months.

Bakalar also declined comment when asked why Miron is not among the 14 new hires.

Christian Miron, contacted Friday, declined to comment.

"We had numerous openings and will be at full capacity for the first time in 10 years," Bakalar said. "But I am not in a position to comment about Christian Miron's application."

In April, the Office of the Chief State's Attorney launched a criminal investigation into the leaking of Miron's personnel file, while the Stratford Police Department also continues an internal probe, Buturla said.

Miron, 29, was issued a conditional offer of employment in March even though a detailed, nine-page background investigation, leaked to the media and some members of the Town Council, raised questions as to whether he is fit for police work.

Buturla has said if and when those responsible for the leak are found, "they will receive the full extent of discipline, up to and including dismissal."

The background investigation leaked from Miron's personnel file shows he scored well on the written and oral exams, and got "rave reviews" from several references. A psychologist who interviewed Miron recommended that he be hired, but he also expressed "strong reservations'' about his suitability for the job.

Miron's background check revealed several borderline issues that police officials said at the time also could have been factors against his hiring.

Both Buturla and Bakalar said they look forward to the department being at full strength by the end of November.

"It's been a long time since we were and it's going to alleviate stress among officers and boost morale," Bakalar said. He said a large number of retirements the past two years contributed to staffing problems, but that only a couple of veteran officers are expected to retire in January.

Buturla said, "We are very appreciative of the Town Council and mayor making funds available to bring us up to full force."

Comments

Showing posts 1 - 13

Ray Seymour, CT	Yesterday I understand that **** /t chief Joe Lacheovo got both his young sons on the force....Thats not fair.....Plus his wife has a big time position in town hall
resignation Myrtle Beach, SC	Yesterday >>>>>>Buturl a has said if and when those responsible for the leak are found, "they will receive the full extent of discipline, up to and including dismissal." Burturla has no control over the department. If he allowed this to happen, hiring Miron, his credential are now questionable. He should resign
Sad Wallingford, CT	Yesterday This Town needs reform and leadership now. Miron will not run for dog catcher next time around so do not worry about that. We all know he has already lost reelection so do not worry about that. Only he and Laura Dobosz think he can still win. Our long Town Nightmare will end with the new Mayor whomever it is.
Joe DeCaro “... truth will out.” Joined: May 12, 2008 Comments: 145 Stratford ISP Location: Litchfield, CT	Yesterday Sad wrote: ... Our long Town Nightmare will end with the new Mayor whomever it is. I certainly hope so, but remember how our current mayor managed to get in: everyone ran for office and no one had a majority of votes.
The People Stamford, CT	23 hrs ago Sad wrote: This Town needs reform and leadership now. Miron will not run for dog catcher next time around so do not worry about that. We all know he has already lost reelection so do not worry about that. Only he and Laura Dobosz think he can still win. Our long Town Nightmare will end with the new Mayor whomever it is. Unfortunately once you get rid of Miron, who will step in to fill the void of corruption and nepotism? will it be Hendrick or someone else. What we need is a non-professional person, someone who can cut through the BS, someone who will make the cuts where it makes sense, not add 5 positions to make themselves look good. All the Miron appointees should have their bags packed when Miron does.
Not Right Bridgeport, CT	22 hrs ago There is nothing wrong with Buturla, he's not the problem. Buturla was thrown in to a pile of crap and now trying to dig himself out. He has done positive things for the dept. The problem is EVERYTHING, I should say EVERYONE that preceeded him, up to and including the mayor. He needs to go along with selected members of the PD command staff under Buturla. That would be progress.
Emeral Eyes Joined: May 24, 2008 Comments: 224 AOL	22 hrs ago Burtula should put his foot down and come clean of the problems under him. In another post it claims that he squashed many things so it would not be published and people who should of been arrested got away with it. To me this is not a positive leader. I thought he would be homorable to the badge. I see nothing but covering up..... this does not sit well with me being a Town resident. I am now hearing that the VFW, fight involving Henricks and certain things with RW..... and as for the fact that RW is against the Mayor they seems to be on good terms from what I can see.
Connecticut Sam Derby, CT	21 hrs ago The mayor is a crook, sent him and his brother to jail for 44 years.

Stratford resident	21 hrs ago AMEN!!!
Tax Payer Wallingford, CT	21 hrs ago The People wrote: <quoted text> Unfortunately once you get rid of Miron, who will step in to fill the void of corruption and nepotism? will it be Hendrick or someone else. What we need is a non-professional person, someone who can cut through the BS, someone who will make the cuts where it makes sense, not add 5 positions to make themselves look good. All the Miron appointees should have their bags packed when Miron does. Yes it's too bad that Hendricks is just waiting in the wings to get his foot and buddies in the door. Once he's Mayor he should offer Anger Management training since he needs it.
THE LIGHT Seymour, CT	20 hrs ago Not Right wrote: There is nothing wrong with Buturla, he's not the problem. Buturla was thrown in to a pile of crap and now trying to dig himself out. He has done positive things for the dept. The problem is EVERYTHING, I should say EVERYONE that preceeded him, up to and including the mayor. He needs to go along with selected members of the PD command staff under Buturla. That would be progress. Since you know so much, please tell us what Burturla has done for the Dept.
air freshners United States	19 hrs ago THE LIGHT wrote: <quoted text> Since you know so much, please tell us what Burturla has done for the Dept. he added air freshners to the rest rooms..
No way No how Stratford, CT	16 hrs ago 1 If people have anything to say Henrick will never be Mayor of this town you can bank on that.