Showing posts with label patrick mcmahon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label patrick mcmahon. Show all posts
Friday, April 13, 2012
And Then There Were Three: Council Members' Recusal Shuts Down McMahon Appeal
Thursday, February 23, 2012
McMahon Fired
Mayor Dan Drew fired former Acting Chief of Police Patrick McMahon this morning, after a 45 minute hearing in the Mayor's Office.
The hearing was a Loudermill hearing, which is a required hearing whenever a public official is terminated. The hearing was an opportunity for McMahon to present his side of the circumstances which have led Drew to fire him.
Drew has said that his action is based on the results of an investigation led by Eric Daigle, who has been paid about $10,000 for his investigation on behalf of the city. The Daigle report listed three violations of Middletown Police Department rules committed by McMahon: untruthfulness, use of intoxicants, and conduct unbecoming. In addition, it accused McMahon of having issued direct threats of retaliation, providing false information to the Middletown Press, and insubordination.
The hearing was a Loudermill hearing, which is a required hearing whenever a public official is terminated. The hearing was an opportunity for McMahon to present his side of the circumstances which have led Drew to fire him.
Drew has said that his action is based on the results of an investigation led by Eric Daigle, who has been paid about $10,000 for his investigation on behalf of the city. The Daigle report listed three violations of Middletown Police Department rules committed by McMahon: untruthfulness, use of intoxicants, and conduct unbecoming. In addition, it accused McMahon of having issued direct threats of retaliation, providing false information to the Middletown Press, and insubordination.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Profile of Ballot Question #1: McMahon for Police Chief
Deputy Chief Patrick McMahon was nominated to be Chief of Police by Mayor Giuliano, but his nomination was not confirmed by the Common Council. During the summer, citizen activists collected over 2000 signatures on a petition to have the Council decision overturned, leading to a ballot initiative. Last month, Mayor Giuliano withdrew McMahon's nomination, however, the initiative remains on the ballot.
The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors. The following was submitted by Patrick McMahon.
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On Tuesday, November 8th we, the voters of this community will have an historic opportunity, one that no other Middletown voter has ever had. It is the chance to “elect” the next chief of police.
Several months ago a group of citizens grew tired of the political wrangling that prevented the city from having a permanent police chief. They examined the charter, which states that matters of public interest can be brought before the electorate. Once they brought forward the issue of having a permanent police chief, the issue was certified by the Town Clerk as a matter of public interest, and more than two thousand of you signed the petition to place this issue on the ballot and into the hands of the voters.
The ballot question that awaits your consideration on November 8th states; Shall resolution 7-1 as proposed at the January 3, 2011 meeting of the Common Council approving and confirming the appointment of Patrick T. McMahon as Chief of Police for the City of Middletown be approved and adopted.
To refresh your memories please let me share the following; I have been married for over twenty years to my wife Laura; I have four children and four grandchildren. I am a peace- time veteran of the United States Marine Corps and am in my twenty-eighth year of law enforcement.
I have held the rank of Deputy Chief of Police or higher for over eight years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, and I am a recent graduate of the 245th session of the FBI National Academy. I am committed to this community and have been since my arrival over four years ago. I remained committed during my wife’s recent battle with breast cancer, and I continue my commitment to this community to this day.
I am a mentor in the public school system, I am a volunteer reader at the YMCA pre-K program, I am a member of NEAT’s Board of Directors, I am a charter member of Middletown’s TRIAD program, and I am currently a member of Wesleyan’s Center for Community Partnerships advisory council. I also represent the Capitol Region Chiefs of Police on the State’s DOT Traffic Safety committee.
During my twenty-seven month tenure as Middletown’s Acting Chief of Police, the following facts are indisputable;
•Under my leadership, the police department fiscal 2010/11 budget came in under budget and over revenue.
•Under my leadership, and due to the hard work of the men and women of the Middletown Police Department, sworn and civilian alike, Middletown saw a 23% reduction in major crime during the first quarter of this year compared to the same time period last year.
•I, along with a member of the Middletown Board of Education, was able to negotiate the return of School Resource Officers to the high school without the need for protracted litigation and legal expenses.
•I created a citizen advisory council inviting six established community leaders to meet with me on a regular basis to ensure decisions that I made which effect the community were not made in a vacuum.
•I proved my leadership during the Kleen Energy Plant explosion, the Main Street building collapse, and Tropical Storm Irene.
•I have enjoyed 100% support from the current mayor on all hiring and promotional recommendations.
Finally, let me say a few things regarding recent events. At all times, I have been honest and candid with the mayor regarding my involvement of recent events in question. None of the alleged incidents occurred while I was on duty. I have not lied and I have not been deceptive.
In closing, I believe the issue in this matter is a simple, clear business decision: If you want the office of Middletown’s Chief of Police in the hands of a professional, competent, proven, tested leader and beholden to no one but the community then vote YES for ballot question #1 on November 8th.
Patrick T. McMahon
The below information is a part of the Eye's Elections 2011 series to provide information to voting citizens and does not represent any endorsement by the Middletown Eye or any of its authors. The following was submitted by Patrick McMahon.
----------------
On Tuesday, November 8th we, the voters of this community will have an historic opportunity, one that no other Middletown voter has ever had. It is the chance to “elect” the next chief of police.
Several months ago a group of citizens grew tired of the political wrangling that prevented the city from having a permanent police chief. They examined the charter, which states that matters of public interest can be brought before the electorate. Once they brought forward the issue of having a permanent police chief, the issue was certified by the Town Clerk as a matter of public interest, and more than two thousand of you signed the petition to place this issue on the ballot and into the hands of the voters.
The ballot question that awaits your consideration on November 8th states; Shall resolution 7-1 as proposed at the January 3, 2011 meeting of the Common Council approving and confirming the appointment of Patrick T. McMahon as Chief of Police for the City of Middletown be approved and adopted.
To refresh your memories please let me share the following; I have been married for over twenty years to my wife Laura; I have four children and four grandchildren. I am a peace- time veteran of the United States Marine Corps and am in my twenty-eighth year of law enforcement.
I have held the rank of Deputy Chief of Police or higher for over eight years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, and I am a recent graduate of the 245th session of the FBI National Academy. I am committed to this community and have been since my arrival over four years ago. I remained committed during my wife’s recent battle with breast cancer, and I continue my commitment to this community to this day.
I am a mentor in the public school system, I am a volunteer reader at the YMCA pre-K program, I am a member of NEAT’s Board of Directors, I am a charter member of Middletown’s TRIAD program, and I am currently a member of Wesleyan’s Center for Community Partnerships advisory council. I also represent the Capitol Region Chiefs of Police on the State’s DOT Traffic Safety committee.
During my twenty-seven month tenure as Middletown’s Acting Chief of Police, the following facts are indisputable;
•Under my leadership, the police department fiscal 2010/11 budget came in under budget and over revenue.
•Under my leadership, and due to the hard work of the men and women of the Middletown Police Department, sworn and civilian alike, Middletown saw a 23% reduction in major crime during the first quarter of this year compared to the same time period last year.
•I, along with a member of the Middletown Board of Education, was able to negotiate the return of School Resource Officers to the high school without the need for protracted litigation and legal expenses.
•I created a citizen advisory council inviting six established community leaders to meet with me on a regular basis to ensure decisions that I made which effect the community were not made in a vacuum.
•I proved my leadership during the Kleen Energy Plant explosion, the Main Street building collapse, and Tropical Storm Irene.
•I have enjoyed 100% support from the current mayor on all hiring and promotional recommendations.
Finally, let me say a few things regarding recent events. At all times, I have been honest and candid with the mayor regarding my involvement of recent events in question. None of the alleged incidents occurred while I was on duty. I have not lied and I have not been deceptive.
In closing, I believe the issue in this matter is a simple, clear business decision: If you want the office of Middletown’s Chief of Police in the hands of a professional, competent, proven, tested leader and beholden to no one but the community then vote YES for ballot question #1 on November 8th.
Patrick T. McMahon
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Councilman Reacts to Courant Cartoon
Below is a letter submitted to the Eye from Councilman Phil Pessina. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the of the authors of the Middletown Eye. It is posted as a courtesy to the readers, facts and opinions expressed are the sole responsibility of the author, Councilman Phil Pessina.
Note: This letter is in regards to the cartoon done by Mr. Bob Englehart. Welcome to Middletown, appeared in the Hartford Courant on Oct. 20.
I am very upset and disappointed with your choice of cartoon characters concerning the recent developments involving our former Acting Police Chief and your lack of sensitivity towards our city's Catholic residents and our beloved Patron Saint 'Saint Sebastian'. Your pen has struck a direct insult to both our residents of Italian descent and our parishioners of Saint Sebastian Church.
I am perplexed that with all the political nonsense and the problems our state is facing, which our lives are filled with on a daily basis, at all levels of our country's government including the economic situation, people out of work and especially at a time when a community is trying to make sense out of the actions or inactions of an individual, that you would be so insensitive towards our City of Middletown and a large population of a particular faith community.
Your insinuation that our town is all "screwed up" is unfounded and based upon your personal feelings. Just because we have a challenge to deal with in our city government, it doesn't give you the right to besmirch our community.
Our city has been recognized for its diversity, economic growth, its Main Street scape with some of the finest restaurants in the state; all of which are protected by the men and women of our Police and Fire Departments.
Your reader poll comparing an individual and a saint, is very disturbing and a direct insult towards the parishioners of Saint Sebastian Church who have a deep, devote faith in their patron saint who was put to death because martyrdom for the Christian people.
I am in a unique position within our city, as a second generation Italian who proudly served for 33 1/2 years in our police department, ending my career as its Deputy Police Chief. I dedicated my career to youth education and community policing with our residents and was the catalyst for arriving at positive solutions towards negative problems. Presently, I am a current 2 term member of our City's Common Council and a very spiritual person dedicated to my faith and Patron Saint of St. Sebastian; to include service to my faith community of St. Sebastian Church as a Eucharist Minister and Lector, to include over 25 years on our St. Sebastian Feast Committee.
My suggestion to you Mr. Englehart is that in the future when you are about to put your artistic talents to work on a political issue, that you do so with a much greater sensitivity towards your readers, our state's faith communities and take a much more positive approach towards our state's city and towns. Remember, that when communities are facing challenges, especially during these tough economic times and high unemployment, we need the print media to be more supportive and bring hope to their residents and the issues they are dealing with; not a negative tone with an insensitive drawing, which strikes a blow to a community's heritage which becomes part of the problem not the solution!
Therefore, I am respectfully requesting a retraction of this cartoon and your apology to the Italian population in our state and our City of Middletown, especially towards the parishioners of Saint Sebastian Church who have done so much to make our City of Middletown what it is today; a Community to live in, invest in and educate your children in!
Thank you,
Philip J. Pessina
Councilman, and Parishioner of Saint Sebastian Church.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Acting Chief McMahon Graduates From FBI National Academy Program
Modified from a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI
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Middletown Acting Police Chief Patrick T. McMahon was one of two hundred and forty-six law enforcement officers who graduated this past Friday, June 10, 2011 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. McMahon earned a Graduate Certificate with a cumulative GPA of 4.125.
The 245th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 22 international countries, three military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.
On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
A total of 44,783 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number, approximately 27,271 are still active in law enforcement work.
-----------------
Middletown Acting Police Chief Patrick T. McMahon was one of two hundred and forty-six law enforcement officers who graduated this past Friday, June 10, 2011 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. McMahon earned a Graduate Certificate with a cumulative GPA of 4.125.
The 245th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 22 international countries, three military organizations, and two federal civilian organizations.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.
On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director Robert Mueller was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Training for the program is provided by FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
A total of 44,783 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of this number, approximately 27,271 are still active in law enforcement work.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Burglary Suspect Arrested
At approximately 12:30 AM, Wednesday morning Middletown police arrested Jeffrey Gramfield, 38, of 219 Crown Street, Meriden for attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to Deputy Chief Patrick McMahon, Gramfield was arrested in the block of Pearl Street between Liberty and Grand.
Police have been on heightened alert after a number of burglaries and break-ins in neighborhoods surrounding Wesleyan University. Yesterday police officers and a tracking dog were seen in the area of Home Avenue after a number of break-ins and attempted break-ins were reported there yesterday.
This is the report of one Home Avenue resident:
A man just walked across our lawn at 34 Home Ave, and students came
over immediately to tell me he fit the description of somebody
suspected to be breaking in to houses lately. Public Safety and MPD
came over and confirmed that 9 or 10 houses have been burgled in the
last 24 hours in the area immediately near campus. So: Lock doors,
windows, and stay alert to this.
Description: 40-something-ish dark complected Black male, 6 feet
tall or so, with braids or dreads under a do-rag (today) and wearing
a grey shirt (today).
There is also notice of the police work on Wesleying.
McMahon attributed the arrest to a call from an alert resident. McMahon encourages Middletown residents to report suspicious activity by calling the Police Department at 344-3200.
Gramfield was arraigned and is being held on $5000 bond.
According to Deputy Chief Patrick McMahon, Gramfield was arrested in the block of Pearl Street between Liberty and Grand.
Police have been on heightened alert after a number of burglaries and break-ins in neighborhoods surrounding Wesleyan University. Yesterday police officers and a tracking dog were seen in the area of Home Avenue after a number of break-ins and attempted break-ins were reported there yesterday.
This is the report of one Home Avenue resident:
A man just walked across our lawn at 34 Home Ave, and students came
over immediately to tell me he fit the description of somebody
suspected to be breaking in to houses lately. Public Safety and MPD
came over and confirmed that 9 or 10 houses have been burgled in the
last 24 hours in the area immediately near campus. So: Lock doors,
windows, and stay alert to this.
Description: 40-something-ish dark complected Black male, 6 feet
tall or so, with braids or dreads under a do-rag (today) and wearing
a grey shirt (today).
There is also notice of the police work on Wesleying.
McMahon attributed the arrest to a call from an alert resident. McMahon encourages Middletown residents to report suspicious activity by calling the Police Department at 344-3200.
Gramfield was arraigned and is being held on $5000 bond.
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