New UNH police officer takes oath of office

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 13, 2019 — New University of New Haven police Officer James Baker, center, is joined by UNH Police Chief James T. Gilman, left, and Assistant Chief Donald F. Parker after being sworn in by city Corporation Counsel Lee Tiernan on Tuesday at City Hall.

Also attending the ceremony were Baker’s wife, Michelle, and Ronald M. Quagliani, UNH associate vice president of public safety and administrative services.

Baker, of Hamden, recently retired from the New Haven Police Department after a 20-year career.

(City Photo/Keyri Ambrocio)

Veterans honored, 13th phase of Brick Campaign launched

Vets honored, 13th phase of Brick Campaign launched

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 13, 2019 — Sean P. Ronan, senior vice commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9422, gives the invocation in honor of Veterans Day on Monday in Bradley Point Park. Looking on are, from front left, mayoral Executive Assistant Lou Esposito, West Haven Veterans Council President Dave Ricci, City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, West Haven High School junior Nora E. Mullins, and state Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven.

The tribute, held on the Veterans Walk of Honor, commenced with a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Police Color Guard and a flag-raising by the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard. It followed with the singing of the national anthem by Mullins and remarks from Esposito, the master of ceremonies, on behalf of Mayor Nancy R. Rossi.

The event also included remarks from Ricci, a bell-ringing at 11 a.m. and taps played by retired West Shore Fire Department Lt. Kevin McKeon.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.

To coincide with the solemn ceremony, the Veterans Council officially launched the 13th phase of its popular Brick Campaign.

In November 2006, the council began the first of 13 campaigns selling bricks to memorialize veterans on the 100-yard Walk of Honor between the William A. Soderman and Vietnam Veterans memorials.

The bricks, which cost $75, have charcoal lettering for personalized messages.

More than 2,700 bricks have been installed so far, including 51 for the 12th phase, which was dedicated May 25.

Download a Brick Application.

Applications, due March 16, are also available in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St. For details, call 203-937-3510.

(City Photo/Patricia C. Horvath)

The West Haven Police Color Guard leads the opening procession. (City Photo/Patricia C. Horvath)

Members of West Haven Vietnam Veterans salute. (City Photo/Patricia C. Horvath)

Retired West Shore Fire Department Lt. Kevin McKeon plays taps as his father, George McKeon, salutes. (City Photo/Patricia C. Horvath)

Veterans Day observed at Pagels Elementary School

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 8, 2019 — Students, teachers, faculty and staff of Pagels Elementary School participate in a Veterans Day ceremony Friday.

The morning event, led by Principal Gary R. Palermo, included the raising of the American flag, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of a patriotic song, as well as a student from each grade reading about a veteran. It culminated with students placing small flags along the sidewalk in front of the Benham Hill Road school.

Lou Esposito, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi’s executive assistant, delivered remarks on her behalf, saying, “Veterans are an important part of our city, and Mayor Rossi says ‘thank you’ for honoring all veterans.”

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.

(City Photo/Lou Esposito)