April 3, 2025
.com
Clinton, Westbrook, & Old Saybrook Vol. XXVIII Iss. 14
Embattled Police Chief Retires; Will Step Down April 11 By Eric O'Connell Staff Writer OLD SAYBROOK
On March 2, Old Saybrook Chief of Police Michael Spera announced he would be retiring from his position on April 11. The announcement comes on the heels of the release of a report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) that found a poor
work environment within the department was responsible for a high rate of personnel turnover and which had increased scrutiny on Spera. At 5:30 p.m. on March 25, a lengthy press release was posted to the town website announcing that Spera would be leaving his position this spring before “formally retiring in September.” Spera had been in his 16th
year as police chief of the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD). At a Board of Selectmen special meeting on March 27, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna said Spera would be relieved of his duties as chief on April 11. Following that, he will continue to assist the town but See Embattled page 10
Cookies for a Cause Girl Scouts from Troop 62797 set up their cookie sales table in front of 61 East Main Street in Clinton on March 29. In the upcoming weeks, booths will pop up all along the shoreline with cookies to help fund troop activities, build entrepreneurial skills, and support community service projects. To find a location, visit girlscouts.org. Pictured from the left are Natalie Biens, Brooke Wininger, Elexa Ulrich, Madison Corella, and Lily Bertelli.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ Harbor News
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Brian Walls is a new face among the stacks at HCH Library............................................2
Seeing Growth The Morgan boys’ and girls’ indoor track teams saw a lot of improvement this winter, with many athletes setting personal records....................14
1-2-3-4 Spring The first blooms of spring are starting to appear.........26