Norwich Police Union

04/17/2024

On April 16th, 2024 officers from the Norwich Police Department responded to an address within the city to investigate a disturbance. As a result of this investigation, officers on scene determined that a female on scene needed to be transported to a medical facility due to her level of intoxication. While dealing with the female subject she became irate and combative with officers on scene, ultimately spitting directly into the face of one of our officers. The female subject was subsequently placed under arrest for the assault on a public safety officer, a class c felony in the state of Connecticut. Once placed under arrest the female subject was transported to Norwich Police Headquarters and processed, given a $10,000 cash-surety bond per a supervisor. It should be noted that this female subject has had prior interactions with this agency, and has interfered with our officers in the past.

One would think that committing such an act would result in that individual being held accountable for their actions. However, less than 5 hours later this individual was released back into the public on a “promise to appear” in court. In other words, this subject was released with no bond. The set bail of $10,000 made by a Norwich Police Supervisor was essentially thrown away, and the female subject was released per the State of Connecticut Bail Commissioner.

Every officer within this department understands the risks and dangers that come with this job. Recognition and “thanks”, are not what we seek for doing what we signed up for. While members of this department realize there are many who do support us, this incident is a reminder to your officers that they do not have the backing and support they deserve. And this is not just isolated to our city. This blatant disregard for the job we do, and our safety, has become the norm across our nation. Recruitment and retention is at an all time low. And this will only continue getting worse if our voices are not heard.

Our officers as stated in previous posts have been working tirelessly to keep this city safe, despite current working conditions. Your officers here at the Norwich Police Department have been working under a contract which was negotiated with the city in 2016. This contract however, ended in June of 2023. It is time that the public, and citizens of Norwich, show their support for those that they call upon for help.

On May 13th, 2024 there will be a budget hearing at Norwich City Hall. We ask any member of the public to please attend this meeting, and have your voice heard. It is time the public, and citizens of Norwich realize the importance and severity of the situation your Norwich police officers are currently facing. We all want a safer city to live and work in. Members of city hall need to hear from you, the public, in hopes that your officers can finally get the recognition they may not ask for, but deserve.

12/22/2023

01/05/2023

As many are hearing, our agency suffered a tremendous loss this week. To be honest, the past few days have been incredibly difficult.

To wake up to a local news paper article about the tragedy, that contains so many unnecessary details, just made things that much more difficult for everyone who has been impacted. The mutual respect our organizations shared, has been damaged.

However, we do wish to thank all of those who have offered incredible amounts of support in various ways over the past few days. From law enforcement, local businesses, concerned citizens and others. You have helped more than you will ever know.

Our focus is on the family and our members at this time.

11/17/2022

Thoughts and prayers for Sgt Avdevich and his family.

View Boris Stephen "Bud" Avdevich's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/13/2022

Thoughts and prayers to the Bristol Police Department. Tragic loss to their department and community.

07/06/2022

Sailfest will return to New London this weekend, but the police union said they don’t have the staffing to handle it. The mayor disagrees citing supporting aid.

07/06/2022

As the Norwich union for city hall employees brought up hero pay in June, others, including the police union, have brought it up in the past.

06/06/2022

It is with a heavy heart that the Norwich Police Department announces the unexpected and sudden passing of K-9 Officer Ozzy. On June 4th, 2022, Ozzy suffered a medical emergency and passed away in the arms of his partner and adoptive father, Officer First Class Ken Wright.

Ozzy began his service with the Norwich Police Department in 2018 after he and Officer Wright completed a very intense and rigorous training course with the Connecticut State Police K-9 Academy. Ozzy and Officer Wright quickly became known as one of the most talented and respected K-9 teams in the State of Connecticut.

On June 18th, 2019, Ozzy and Officer Wright apprehended two suspects involved in crimes within a 12 hour time period.

In another incident in 2021, a Norwich Police Officer was assaulted during a domestic dispute and the suspect ran from the scene. Ozzy and Officer Wright located the suspect during a track. Ozzy was assaulted by the suspect multiple times during the apprehension but never gave up. Because of Ozzy’s actions, a violent criminal was taken into custody.

Ozzy had over 75 successful deployments that led to the apprehension of suspects, missing people, location of evidence, narcotics and weapons.

In 2019, Officer Wright and Ozzy were awarded the Stephen F Davis Award for the State of Connecticut K-9 Team of the Year for their amazing hard work and dedication to their job.

As many know, Ozzy was just not a Police Officer, he was a part of the family. Officer Wright and his fiancé Ashley loved Ozzy more than anything in the world and was their best friend. Ozzy was a running partner, travel companion and was known as the best cuddler in the house.

Ozzy made the world a safer place and protected all of us every single day. We will all miss hearing, “1040 and his partner are on the way”.
Ozzy, you will be missed. Rest easy buddy. 10-36.

06/06/2022

04/17/2022

Proud of our former members!

Peter Petrides said his morning prayers last June 7 and asked “the guy upstairs” what he should do with the rest of his life now that