Joseph P. Gresko

I’m pleased to join Stratford legislators to announce state funds for the aviation maintenance school in Stratford and money for body cameras for the Stratford Police Department.

• $26,000 for the Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians
• $20,000 to Stratford Police Department for the purchase of body cameras

“The Stratford School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians helps us in our workforce pipeline efforts to get graduates into good paying jobs,” Rep. Gresko said. “I thank Governor Malloy for including this item in the Bond Commission’s latest round of funding.”

Sen. Kelly said, “I’m glad to see the state of Connecticut prioritizing the needs of our community and focusing on ways to create more opportunities for young people to access job training and career pathways.”

“These are the kinds of investments we need to make to insure Connecticut’s future progress and jobs,” Rep. Young said.

“As a state we need to be focusing on the manufacturing industry and helping increase and retain qualified talent,” said Rep. McGorty. “I am glad to see that we are investing in tech schools throughout the state and right here in Stratford. Our students and manufacturers in our region will benefit greatly from this investment.”

“I want to thank our Stratford delegation for securing the reimbursement funding for body cameras,” said Stratford Police Chief Joe McNeil. “Due to their efforts, we were able to equip all front line officers with body cameras at no cost to our residents. Body cameras have become very effective in documenting crime scenes and taking statements. It is another tool to protect our residents and officers.”

Sen. Kelly said, “Stratford is one of many towns across our state that will benefit from strengthening and modernizing our police department. I’m glad our town is receiving assistance to help pay for this new investment.”

“This is great news for the town and police department,” Rep. Gresko said. “Body cameras not only help promote accountability, but it will deter police and civilian misconduct and help resolve complaints against law enforcement – everything is on video.”

Rep. Young said, “The state is making this funding available so police departments, like Stratford’s, can purchase this equipment and be reimbursed for the cost. It’s a good program that promotes new technology but doesn’t leave towns to foot the bill.”

Rep. McGorty said, “Keeping our police officers and the public safe should always be our top priority. Police body cameras have become a great public safety tool and they are a sound investment by the state.”

The legislature approved funding in 2015 and 2017 to provide grants to municipalities that purchase body cameras.