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The state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection deployed the troopers, who departed Bradley Airport early Monday. The troopers, 12 of whom are fluent in Spanish, will patrol and provide security and traffic assistance in conjunction with local police in Puerto Rico.
“Connecticut is home to some of the bravest, brightest, and most selfless state troopers in the nation,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. “I’m incredibly proud of the troopers that volunteered to assist the people of Puerto Rico in their time of need, and wish them a successful tour of duty, and a safe return home. These deployments build upon Connecticut’s major hurricane recovery support efforts, including the over 70 recovery missions engaged in by our National Guard.”
“We could not be more proud of the troopers who have stepped up to partner with Puerto Rico Police to keep its towns and cities safe as the island continues to recover from Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” DESPP Commissioner Dora Schriro said. “The Connecticut State Police – the nation’s first state police agency – continues to demonstrate the many ways in which they are among the most community-focused police forces in the country.”
Connecticut has taken several steps to help Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that hit the island, including:
- More than 100 National Guardsmen have been tapped for support, which includes 73 missions aboard C-130s. They have been primarily involved in communications, security forces, maintenance, and aerial port operations.
- Over 1,701 calls have been placed to the 211 system to connect evacuees and their support/sponsors here in Connecticut with available services and donated resources.
- Release of Information and Resource Guide by 211 in English and Spanish.
- Weekly phone calls of state agencies, NGOs, to discuss status, emerging issues.
- State agencies and NGOs have been greeting direct flights from San Juan since Oct. 13.
- Updated and revised the state's Hurricane Evacuees Support Plan in the event of FEMA-sponsored or supported evacuee relocation to Connecticut.
- Department of Consumer Protection is actively vetting charitable organizations.
- Department of Children and Families and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services have made the Disaster Behavioral Health Regional Network available.
- Office of Early Childhood is helping to identify childcare opportunities.
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