Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            With the beginning of winter (officially), I am taking this opportunity to remind residents of the winter parking regulations.  This is always a hot topic of conversation with our local Highway Superintendent, Mr. Dan Gion.  Most people are unaware of the difficulties involved in keeping the streets clear.  I hope to provide everyone with a little further information.

Article ten of Dudley’s By-laws contains the parking regulations.  Section three, in part, deals with snow removal operations.  Vehicles are not allowed to park on any Town controlled way so as to interfere with snow removal operations.  The Superintendent of Streets may remove or cause to be removed any vehicle interfering with this operation.  For snow removal purposes, any accumulation of two inches or more can enact this provision.  Your vehicle can be towed in order to accommodate snow removal.

When plow trucks are forced to plow around vehicles, it creates ice problems and other hazards.  The highway workers must return at another time to complete the operation.  This situation doubles efforts and wastes time, fuel, and money.  I am encouraging all residents to voluntarily comply with these restrictions and assist the Town employees with providing safe roads on which to travel.  The last thing anyone wants to have is their vehicle towed or be the one responsible for an accident or injury.

We are also reminding people to keep the sidewalks in front of your property clear of snow and ice this winter season.  This is extremely important for pedestrian safety.  There are many people who are physically unable to perform this task.  As a community service, the Dudley LEO's Club will once again clear the sidewalks of the elderly or disabled individuals free of charge within 48 hours of a storm.  Please contact our department if you need assistance and wish to take advantage of this service.

I wish to welcome the new Library Director Mrs. Jane Cain to her new position.  An open house was held on Thursday January 18^th at the Library to officially welcome Jane.  She is doing a fine job early on and I wish her all the best in her future here in Dudley.

Remember the FREE on line internet safety program FOR PARENTS which is taking place on Thursday January 25^th at the Bartlett Junior and Senior High School cafeteria from 7:00-8:30pm, sponsored by the Webster and Dudley Police Departments.  Free babysitting is also being provided by the Bartlett National Honor Society for those parents with child care issues.  It is presented by Detective Frank Dannahey of the Rocky Hill Ct. Police Department.  He has been seen on Dateline NBC and has presented this program around the country.  The seminar’s message is clear; “What you don’t know…may harm them.”

Also, thank you to all who have supported the Dudley Police Department DARE Program during the recent fundraiser.  Our locals had a rough evening on Saturday the 20^th against the Bruins All-stars, but this was a great opportunity to say thank you to all who supported this effort.  This program is completely funded through donations and these funds improve our efforts to educate our youth about the dangers of drugs.    

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