Tragedy in Sandy Hook Strengthens Bonds of Three Towns

When Newtown officials were still reeling from the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December, the Monroe and Trumbull first selectmen were among the first to call them offering help.

Monroe allowed Newtown to use its Chalk Hill building on Fan Hill Road as a school for students and staff and Trumbull assisted with the move into the former school. Emergency responders from both towns also rallied to their neighbor's aid, and Monroe police officers have been providing security at Sandy Hook School's new location ever since.

Newtown First Selectwoman Patricia Llodra, Supt. of Schools Janet Robinson and Monroe First Selectman Steve Vavrek attended Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst's State of the Town Address at Marisa's Ristorante on Main Street in Trumbull on Wednesday afternoon.

"The Monroe Police Department and citizens have been wonderful," Robinson said. "They embraced us and protected us. I couldn't be more grateful."

Llodra said Herbst's call was one of the first she received after the shooting, followed by Vavek's.

Herbst said, "In the face of unspeakable tragedy, one first selectwoman and one school superintendent have led their community through its darkest hour and they have led with a firm resolve. They have not only consoled a community, but they have consoled a nation. The people of Trumbull stand with the people of Newtown."

The video with this article captures the emotional moments when Herbst introduced Llodra and Robinson and both women spoke at the luncheon.