Recent Obituary From East Haven: Richard Thomas Poulton, 78, Ret. NHPD

Richard Thomas Poulton, 78, was a lifelong East Haven resident who served on the East Haven Inland Wetlands Commission. He was a Combat Engineer for the US Army, and volunteered for tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service and the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal. He joined the New Haven Police Department in 1969 and before retiring in 1991, served in patrol and narcotics units, was a detective, helped form the NHPD’s Underwater Search and Recovery Uni, was part of the Marine Unit and the Bomb Squad. He was awarded two Medals of Merit, one Meritorious Service Medal, seven Certificates of Commendation, a commendation from the New Haven Fire Department for heroism and awards from the U.S. Coast Guard and the ATF, for exceptional service. He served on the East Haven Inland Wetlands Commission.