October 10, 2013

Carpino, Doyle: Portion of Rt. 3 in Cromwell Named in Honor of War Hero

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CROMWELL, CT – Family and friends of the late war hero Paul Roger Harrington were proud Wednesday to see a portion of Route 3 in Cromwell named in his honor. They joined State Senator Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell), and Middlesex Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh in an afternoon ceremony to unveil a new road sign designating the portion of Route 3 running from the Cromwell-Rocky Hill town line southerly to Evergreen Road as “Paul Roger Harrington Memorial Highway.”

“The naming of roads is an honor that tends to be reserved for those who really exemplify what it means to be an engaged citizen,” said Sen. Doyle. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a better example of this than Paul Harrington. His distinguished military record was just the beginning of a lifetime of public service that included decades with the state police and years as the chief elected official in Cromwell. We should all strive to lead by such example.’

“Paul Harrington’s family shared heartwarming stories that showed the true character of this public servant. I’m happy we were able to honor Mr. Harrington and be sure future generations will be able to appreciate his great sacrifices to our town, state and country,” said Rep. Carpino.

Sen. Doyle and Rep. Carpino pushed for legislation to have the road named in honor of Paul Harrington during the General Assembly’s 2013 Legislative Session. They were able to secure language designating the road in his name as part of the annual Department of Transportation omnibus bill, Senate Bill 975.

Paul Roger Harrington was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II who completed 51 missions in North Africa and Europe, and received two Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Afterward, he served for 20 years with the Connecticut State Police, from 1952-1972, retiring as Sergeant. He was a founding member of the Connecticut State Police Union, and was a member of the Connecticut State Employee Association, serving as union representative for five years.

“Paul Harrington was an outstanding man who made our region a better place to live and work for all of all of its citizens,” said Larry McHugh, President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.

He was an engaged citizen, and long-time public servant in the Town of Cromwell. He was elected First Selectman, serving from 1977–1985, and was voted the DeSoto Council #6 Knights of Columbus first Cromwell Man of the Year in 1997. He played guitar and sang with the Cromwell Chorus, and was a treasurer of the Middlesex Amateur Radio Club, former president of the Toast Masters, and life honorary member of the Y.M.C.A.

Suggested PHOTO cutline: Middlesex Chamber of Commerce President Larry McHugh, State Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield), and State Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) join family and friends of Paul Roger Harrington for the unveiling of signage naming a portion of Route 3 in Cromwell in his honor.