Posted on November 27, 2017
PHOTO: State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (right) shakes hands with Newtown Police Officer Matthew Piralla
NEWTOWN – At the invitation of Newtown’s finest, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) participated in a ride-along with the Newtown Police Department’s Officer Matthew Piralla on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Their day began with roll-call, where Bolinsky had the opportunity attend a late afternoon briefing on outstanding issues, wants, warrants and the status of on-going observations and investigations. After roll-call, he was fitted with a Kevlar vest, wished well by Police Chief James Viadero and hit the road, patrolling Newtown’s Northeast section in Car 10.
“As a public official and a supporter of our men and women in blue, as well as our other first responders, I feel it is important that I maintain an understanding of how our community is protected” explained Rep. Bolinsky. “I am thankful that the Newtown Police provided me the opportunity to see how routine and emergency situations are responded to. Our local officers are extremely well-trained and flow very smoothly through their patrol assignments, observing, securing and responding, as well as working proactively to follow-up on potentially active past and possible leads on criminal activity. We even followed-up on a request from a shoreline police department, that had received information about a local suspect possibly having made his way to Newtown. I was relieved that we found nothing suspicious.”
Bolinsky continued, “My time with Officer Piralla also showed me things I think many residents don’t ordinarily know about his job. During our three-hour ride-along, not only did we respond to calls and follow-ups and perform several routine traffic stops but, Matt also was actively observing subtle things that were not quite ‘right’. We stopped to calm and render a helping hand to a lost, elderly, out-of-town driver, searching for the Booth Library. Matt kindly asked several drivers who had pulled over to take phone calls to move to safer places, a few feet away. Every stop was friendly and ended with handshakes or thanks. Number of tickets issued: 0. Assistance rendered: 11. Passion for keeping Newtown safe: Endless.”
If Newtown residents have questions or concerns regarding any public safety matter, the Newtown Police can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (203) 426-5841.
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