An Even Safer Wilton

Wilton isn’t a dangerous town by any means, but the Board of Selectman believes it could always be safer.

On April 18 at Wilton Town Hall, the Board of Selectmen discussed possible new safety measures which would make Wilton an even more secure place to live.

Sixty-thousand dollars in grant money will be allocated for advanced training and networking for one officer of the Wilton Police Department. Police Chief Michael Lombardo said that the officer in question was a distinguished person with an outstanding track record, who has been used as a resource in high level security matters such as the attempted Times Square bombing of last year.

Lombardo said that all the training he receives would come right back to benefiting the town.

“This give us depth, contacts, and a whole list of things,” said First Selectman Bill Brennan.

“It’s a win-win for Wilton,” said Brennan.

Security at town hall is going to be upped as well, as town hall employees will undergo obligatory training in monetary management, data security, and safety management.

Brennan said the board, in conjunction with Lombardo, are looking to implement more effective safety measures without it costing the town’s citizens.

“[We’re] looking at this in a cost-effective way,” said Brennan.

The new training measures include two two-hour training sessions for the approximately 40 town hall employees.

The sessions will guide workers in how to handle potentially volatile matters with upset citizens.

“We do get situations here. We have people who come in here and get upset and get loud,” said Brennan.

 “Training is half the battle. What’s the right way to handle these frustrating moments?” he said.

The classes will also explain what town hall workers can anticipate from police if matters escalate to such a level.

“[Training] will tell them what to expect from us,” said Lombardo.

Brennan said that he felt that the general receptivity of workers was positive.

“The goal is to improve on the safety of the employees,” said Brennan.

Training is expected to be cost neutral to the citizenry.