Public Protection and Safety Committee of the RTM Special Meeting

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD 
PHONE: 460-442-0553
WATERFORD, GT 06385-28n6
wiewwilerfordct 
org
PUBLIC PROTECTION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE OF THE RTM
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY 
Oct. 8,2026 
6:00P.m.
BOARD OF ED CONFERENCE RMI (2*° Floor, TOWN HALL)
1. 
Establishment of quorum and call to order.
2. Election of new Chair.
Y
Public Comment.
Consideration of and action on minutes of the Sep. 8, 2026, committee meeting.
Consideration of and possible action on issues referred to committee:
* 
Review of Mass Gatherings Ordinance, Chptr 9.08 (RTC 2/2/26)
Review of assigned duties to Director of Fire Services (RTC 6/3/24)
First Responders’ Survivors’ Benefits (RTC 2/3/25)
* 
Street Takeovers (RTC 8/4/25) as time available
* 
Enforcement Cameras (RTC 8/4/25) 
as time available
6. Adjournment
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Public Protection & Safety Committee 
Mecting Mjputes-Sdept 8, 2026
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2
Members Present: Tim Condon, Kathleen Elbaum, Brianna Hogarty, Kathy Mullen Kohl, Tim Sullivan (6:20 pan.)
Also Present: RTM Majority Leader Mary Childs, RTM Moderator Sue Driscoll
4. Call to order: Temporary Chair Driscoll called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
2. Publié comment: Helen Kwasniewski (Quaker Hill) expressed concerns with street takeovers and mass gatherings, and
shared that she is in favor 
of enforcement cameras, especially if they wotild help with addressing increased speeding on
Route 32 (see attachéd).
3. Previous Minutes: Motion by Mullen Koh! second by Elbaum, to approve the March 16, 2026, minutes as presented.
Voice vote: Unanimous. 
Motion passed.
4. Consideration of/possible action on items referred to: committee;
« Review of assigned duties to the Director of Fire Services (RTC 6/3/24)
* Review of Mass Gatherings Ordinance, Chptr 9.08 (RTC 2/2/26)
« Street Takeovers (RTC 8/4/25) *as time available
« Enforcement Cameras (RIC 8/4/25) *as time available
+ First Responders’ Survivors’ Benefits (RTC 2/3/25) *as time available
The Temporary Chair briefly explained the changes in the committee’s list of issues since the last meeting. The First
Responders’ Survivors’ Benefits Issue has been restored as a charge to the committee, after research confirmed that it was
inadvertently dropped due to a clerical area sometime in mid-2025. The corimittee had deemed the Street Takeovers a
priority in March, with the intent to get.an ordinance-on the books before suimmer, the typical season for takeover events,
With that window gone, and the state legislature considering takeover laws, and a few towns proposing potentially useful
ordinances, Mass Gatherings has been moved up. Driscoll noted that Chief Ferland was consulted and had not only okayed
the priority switch but added there was no rush i the WPD or Police Cornmission to bring in spéed enforcement cameras.
Chair Sullivan was handed the gavel at 6:24 p.m. to lead discussions on the agenda items:
Fire Services Director duties: Condon explained that the proposed addition in the Aug 2024 draft [provided to current
members with. March 2026 agenda] was boilerplate language crafted by Town Attorney Avena to clarify that as head of our
fire department the Director could and should assume all the dutiés, rights and responsibilities conveyed by the state
statutes, which reference only Fire Chiefs. Attorney Avena had noticed the language discrepancy while working on
ordinances to address 2024 state-mandated benefits for first responders and felt this amendment would codify and clarify
the equal status of directors and chiefs to prevent confusion in the future. Chair Sullivan noted the members’ general
consensus for the proposed revision and said that after consultation with the curvent Town Attomey, the committee could
considera vote to move the issue to a public hearing at the next meeting.
Cordon stated that with the fire services ordinances “opened up” for review, the committee should consider revision of
the fire marshal’s inspection feé schedules that were first established in 2023. He noted, and Driscoll confirmed, that the
fire marshal had asked the previous committee to consider increasing the fees but declined to follow up. He also explained
that the ciirrent fees—which raised enough in the first year to fund a much-needed inspector—are lower than many other

PP+S 9/8/26 Minutes pg 2 of 
2
towns’ fees and could be an effective revenue source, The Committee agreed to have further discussion on the fees and
Condon offered to provide samples of other towns’ schedules.
Mass gatherings: The committee reviewed Waterford’s current ordinance for mass gatherings, as well as the ordinances
enacted by East Lyme and New London. Consensus that listing exemptions up-front was more helpful than somewhat
buried in lengthy narrative toward the end of the ordinance. Members noted that the timelines specified for both
submission of an application and the town’s approval/decision period were much longer than in neighboring towns. Also, it
seems that the virtually one-size-fits-all requirements—such as lengthy, detailed applications covering food, safety, water,
insurance, and sanitation—that made sense for multiday events with several hundred to 1,000 participants were onerous
and unnecessarily burdensome for smaller groups planning a gathering of just a few hours. Some members recalled earlier
public comments on how applicants would have extra steps or sign-offs before the final approval/decision that were not
mentioned Jn the ordinance. It was noted that the provision allowing one individual to overrule a decision made by a
board earlier seemed to be a wildcard. Committee consensus that it would be very helpful to get a copy of an application
form to review in conjunction with the language of the current ordinance and to invite a decision-maker to walk the group
through the process and offer examples of requirements for approval and reasons for rejection. Members agreed to
prepare questions and suggestions for discussion at the next meeting.
Street takeovers: Brief discussion on tracking progress of potential state legislation and the need for more specific
information from the Chief an what WPD is looking to be covered In the ordinance.
Enforcement cameras: Brief discussion on holding until legislation promised by state officials starts moving and the
need for more input from the Chief on plans, if any, to pursue enforcement cameras in town.
First responders’ survivors’ benefits: Condon stated that he was able to track down the original 2025 request that
included a draft ordinance as well as Cromwell, Groton, and North Haven ordinances that could serve as models. These will
be provided to members with the next meeting's agenda.
5. Adjournment: Committee tentatively scheduled the next meeting for Oct. 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Motion by Condon; second by Hogarty, to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Voice vote: Unanimous.
Submitted by
Tim Sullivan, Public Protection & Safety Chair
encl: Kwasniewski public comment

RTM — Public Protection & Safety Committee
September 8, 2026, at 6pm Meeting
Street Takeovers/Mass Gatherings:
Just recently there was a street takeover, I believe in Hartford with 80 arrests along with
taking their bike, ATV.
I strongly urge that IF anyone under the age of 18 that their parents also get arrested.
It is the same as the 17-year-old with AR-15 rifle that the father/parents gave to their
son, I believe that happen in GA, as well as in MI or WL.
Enforcement Cameras:
The Police have items, tools, etc., that has been taken away from them by the powers to
be in Hartford,
These cameras are just that “enforcement cameras.’
The world has change drastically after 2020 “The Covid-19 ERA”.
Too many:
1. Speeders
2. People who do not have insurance, driver’s license
3. Shoplifters Gf they need food and are a town resident Waterford has an awesome
Food Bank thanks to Anne Ogen Hines. Sunday 9/6/2026 @ S/S there was a shoplifter.
4, Accidents up the waz zoo. On a daily average 4-6
5. With EB joining the Waterford traffic on RT 85 as well as many side roads going to
be heardredness/terrible
6, RT 32 in N.L. has cameras. Every single day on RT 32 no matter what time of day
speeders/accidents, With these cameras it will free up the officers to do other department
duties
YES, | am in favor of these CAMERAS!
Thank you,
Helen Kwasniewski

January 11" 2025
Maderator Goldstein,
We recently successfully passed an ordinance to address Public Act 24-16 AN ACT CONCERNING
AUTHORITY TO DECLARE THAT 
A FIREFIGHTER, POLICE OFFICER OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE
PERSONNEL DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. In the course of conducting the due diligence for the passage
of ordinance 2.116.110 Line of duty death determination committee | discovered that other
municipalities have ordinances creating tax abatements for surviving spouses of first responders (Police
Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians). 
| am requesting that we join other communities like
Groton, Cromwell and North Haven and extend these types of support and relief to those families of first
responders that may give the last full measure and pay the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, 
1 am requesting
that this issue be referred to committee for investigation and possible creation. Attached to this
request are the ordinances of the aforementioned Towns.
Respectfully Submitted
Timothy Condon
District 1 Representative
CC. David Campo, Town Clerk
Neil T. Wiseman, President Waterford Ambulance
Marc Balestracci, Chief of Police
Stephen Dubicki, Acting Director of Fire Service

ECEIVED FOR RECORD
Mn 0252028 102496
Jodnn Dowle
TOW CLERK
CROMWELL: CT 4
TOWN OF CROMWELL -
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Town Council of the Town of Cromwell will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday,
June 14, 2023 at 6:50 p.m. in the Cromwell Town Hall Council Chambers, located at 41
West Street, Cromwell, CT for the following purpose:
To hear public comment regarding the adoption of new proposed ordinance: Cromwell
Tax Abatement for Surviving Spouses of First Responders.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for public inspection at the office of the
Town Clerk, 41 West Street, Cromwell, Connecticut and online at www.cromwelict.com.
‘ Dated at Cromwell, Connecticut this 2nd day of June 2023.
dive dade nach
Steve Fortenbach, Mayor
For the Town Council
Hartford Courant edition: June 4, 2023 
‘
Town Clerk: June 2, 2023 . 
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Cromwell Tax Abatement Ordinance for Surviving Spouses of First Responders
- Chapter. 
Tax abatement for surviving spouses of police officers, firefighters and
emergency medical technicians. 
;
- 4. 
Authority, Pursuant fo Connecticut General Statutes § 12-81x, the
Town of Cromwell hereby enacts a tax abatement program with respect to real property
owned and occupied as the principal residence of the surviving spouse of a Town of
Cromwell police officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician who has died while in
performance of such officer's or firefighter's 
or tectinician's duties pursuant to and on the
terms and conditions provided herein.
. 
-2 
Purpose. 
The purpose of this article is to honor police officers,
firefighters arid emergency medical technicians who die while in the performance of his or
her official duties on behalf of the Town of Cromwell and to ease the resulting 
fi nancial
burden on such officer's, firefighter’s or technician's surviving spouse. .
-3 
Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms shall be 
_
defined as follows:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN or TECHNICIAN (EMT) — Any person’ who -is
certified as an emergency medical technician by the State of Connecticut Office of
Emergency Medical Services and is a duly employed or a volunteer member of a municipal
emergency medical services department in the Town of Cromwell, serving in an official
capacity, full-time or part-time, with or without pay.
EMT DUTIES — Duties performed while traveling to, at, or returning directly from all
dispatch calls routed through the emergency dispatch center, or tesis or trials of any
apparatus or equipment normally used by the Emergency Medical Services Department;
while Instructing or being instructed in EMT duties; or while engaging in any other duty
ordered to be performed by a supaérior or commanding officer in the Emergency Medical
Services Department.
FIRE DUTIES — Duties performed while traveling to, at, or returning directly from fires or
fire related calls, alarms of fires or calls for mutual aid assistance, or tests or trials of any
apparatus or equipment normally used by the Fire Department; while instructing or being
instructed in fire duties; or while engaging in any other duty ordered to be performed by a
superior or commanding officer in the Fire Department.
FIREFIGHTER — Any person who is a duly employed or volunteer member of a fire
department in the Town of Cromwell, serving in an official capacity, full rtime or part-time,
~ 
with or without pay.
POLICE DUTIES —- Duties which an officer is obligated or.authorized by law, regulation, or
written condition of employment to perform.
POLICE OFFICER or OFFICER — Any person who is a duly employed member of the
Town of Cromwell police department, serving in an official capacity, full-time or part-time,
128396 12v1

(a)
(b)
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with or without pay.
SURVIVING SPOUSE — Defined in accordance with the state law, as the same ‘may be
amended,
Subject to the eligibility terms and conditions set forth herein, there is hereby established,
effective with the Grand List of October 1, 2023, an abatement of 50% of municipal real
property-taxes with respect to real property in the Town of Cromwell owned or held in Trust
for the sole benefit of the surviving spouse during his or her lifetime and occupied as a
primary residence by the surviving. spouse of the following persons;
(1) 
A police officer who dies in the performance of his or her police duties; or
'Q) 
A firefighter who dies in the performance of his or her fire duties; or -
(3) 
Anemergency medical technician who dies in the performance of his or her EMT
duties.
In the event the surviving spouse shali not be the sole owner of his or her principal
. residence, the abatement shall- be prorated to reflect such surviving spouse's interest in
the property.
Termination of abatement.
(1) ~—- Municipal real estate taxes due on the real property shall be. abated until the earlier
of the following events:
a. 
The real property ceases being the surviving spouse's primary residence; oo
b.. 
‘The surviving spouse conveys legal title to the real property;
cS Remarriage of the surviving spouse; or | 
.
d. 
. 
Upon the death of the surviving spouse.
@) 
. Notwithstanding, if a surviving spouse subsequently purchases a different real
property in the Town of Cromwell as his or her primary residence, and-all other
qualifying criteria are satisfied, the tax abatement may apply, upon proper
application, to the newly purchased property. The tax abatement may only apply to
the one property established as the surviving spouse’s primary residence in any
given Grand List year. _
The Assessor shall prescribe such forms and procedures as he or she deems necessary
and appropriate to implement this section. Once such surviving spouse has been
determined to be eligible for the abatements provided by this section, no periodic
_Teapplication shall be required except for a change in circumstances or as otherwise 
set
forth herein.
12839612v1

(e)
a0)
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The Assessor, in addition, shall take steps as necessary and appropriate to satisfactorily
establish the facts that support the eligibility of the surviving spouse for abatement of -
_ municipal real property taxes on an initial and continuing periodic basis. The failure of any
surviving spouse to cooperate in establishing continuing eligibility shall be grounds for the
Assessor to terminate the abatement.
The Tax Collector and the Tax Assessor shall create and maintain records of the sum of
the total monies abated as a result of this section on a fiscal 'and ongoing basis.
This section expressly does not apply to heart and hypertension disease or other disease
or occupational conditions that are progressive in nature. To be eligible for benefits under
this section there must occur some precipitating work incident that results in a myocardial -
infarction or other physical injury on the work site itself and that is the direct and sole
causation of death. The work site expressly does not include "portal to portal”
transportation; that is, from residence to or from the work site. 
.
12839612v1

Ordinance To Provide A Tax
Abatement For The Surviving
Spouses Of Fallen Police Officers,
Fire Fighters And EMTs
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A TAX ABATEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY
FOR THE SURVIVING SPOUSES OF POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS and EMERGENCY
MEDICAL TECHNICIANS THAT HAVE FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF GROTON:
Abatement of property taxes for spouses of firefighters, emergency medical technicians, Town of
Groton police officers, Groton Long Point police officer, and City of Groton police officers, who die
on duty while in performance of their duties.
(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) means any person who is certified as an emergency medical
technician by the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services performing EMT
duties full-time or part-time for any valid ambulance service provider located within the
geographical boundaries of the Town of Groton.
EMT duties means duties performed while traveling to, at, or returning directly from calls routed
through an emergency dispatch center, or tests or trials of any apparatus or equipment normal
normally used by the employer ambulance service provider; while instructing or being instructed in
EMT duties; or while engaging in any other duty ordered to be performed by a superior or
commanding officer in the ambulance service provider.

Fire duties means duties performed while at fires, while answering alarms of fires, while answering
calls for mutual aid assistance, while returning from calls for mutual aid assistance, while directly
returning from fires, while at tests or trials of any apparatus or equipment normally used by the fire
department, while going to or returning directly from such tests or trials, while instructing or being
instructed in fire duties, and any other duty ordered to be performed by a superior or commanding
officer in the fire department.
Firefighter means any person who is a duly employed member of a municipal fire department and
paid for the purpose of performing fire duties full-time or part-time for any valid fire department
located within the geographical boundaries of the Town of Groton.
Line of duty death means the death occurs while the firefighter, emergency medical technician, or
police officer is performing an action solely related to performance of their regular work or as a part
of it. It does not include deaths that could just have likely occurred while not on duty. Travel to and
from the piace of business is not considered in the line of duty.
Police officer means a duly sworn member of a municipal police department, serving in an official
capacity, full-time or part-time, with compensation or a duly sworn member of the town police
department serving the town in an official capacity, full-time or part-time, for any valid police
department located within the geographical boundaries of the Town of Groton.
Police duties means any action which an officer is obligated or authorized by law, rule, regulation,
or written condition of employment of service to perform during regularly scheduled hours, or other
hours that qualify for compensation from a local police department.
Surviving spouse means the person who was a resident of the town and married to the police
Officer or firefighter at the time of the police officer’s or firefighter’s death.
Valid Ambulance Services Provider means any business/non-profit engaged in the business of
transporting sick, disabled or injured individuals by ambulance to or from facilities or institutions
providing health services.
(b) In accordance with state statute § 12-81x, there is hereby established effective for the Grand
List of October 1, 2022, an abatement of one hundred percent (100%) of municipal real residential

property taxes due with respect to real property owned by the surviving spouse of a police officer
who has died as a result of the performance of police duties or a firefighter who has died as a result
of the performance of fire duties. The abatement only applies to Town taxes due to the Town of
Groton and does not apply to any district or other political subdivision taxes that may be due.
(c) The tax abatement will remain in effect so long as the surviving spouse owns the property as of
the October 1st grand list and occupies the residence as their primary residence or until the spouse
conveys their fee interest in the subject residence. If the spouse subsequently purchases another
residence in the town, and all qualifying criteria remain, then the tax abatement shall apply to the
new residence. For any property that is in a Trust, a copy of the Trust agreement must be provided
to the assessor for review. The terms of the trust agreement are that the claimant must be
considered to be the primary beneficiary of the trust.
(d) Upon the death of any person entitled to tax relief pursuant to this section, the tax relief
hereunder shall end the following June 30th.
(e) If any person who is entitled to a tax abatement hereunder conveys their fee title in the property
with respect to which the tax abatement hereunder has been granted, the tax relief shall be
suspended as of the date of conveyance and the nonqualifying grantee of such property shall pay
the town a prorated share of taxes thereby due and owing. The assessor is to be notified by the
applicant of the transfer within 10 days of the property transfer date.
() The property tax relief provided for in this section shall, in any case where title to real property is
recorded in the name of the qualifying surviving spouse and any other person or persons, be
prorated to reflect the fractional portion of such qualifying spouse, or, if such property is a multiple
family or multiple use dwelling, such relief be prorated to reflect the fractional portion of such
property occupied by the qualifying spouse. A spouse desiring such abatement shall submit an
application to the assessor requesting a determination as to whether such abatement is permitted.
(g) if such surviving spouse remarries, the abatement shall cease commencing with taxes on the
October ist grand list next following the date of such remarriage. In the event that such remarriage
shall terminate, such surviving spouse may apply for the abatement commencing with taxes due on
the October 1st grand list next following the date of such termination.
(h) The surviving spouse’s annual income may not be more than 400% of the Federal

Poverty Level for a single-person family/household as published annually in January in
the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) for the 48
contiguous states and the District of Columbia.
(i) The tax collector and assessor shall prescribe with regard to their respective duties under this
section, such forms and procedures as may be necessary to implement this section. The assessor,
in addition, shall take such steps necessary to satisfactorily establish the facts as to the qualifying
surviving spouse’s interest in the property, by requesting such documents as the assessor deems
necessary. Such documentation will be required yearly to continue the tax abatement. Eligibility
shall be determined by the assessor and/or their designee, and such determination shall be final.
() 
No tater than November 1st of each year the surviving spouse shall complete & file with the
assessor an application for the 100% abatement & attest annually that
(1) 
they have not remarried since the death of their police officer or firefighter spouse and
(2) 
adjusted gross income as reported to the IRS for the prior calendar year does not exceed
400% of the Federal Poverty limit by providing a copy of their completed Form 1040,
()) This ordinance shall become effective on the 45th day after publication of the Notice of Passage
of the ordinance and shall be applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1,
2022.
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Council will hold a public hearing on a Tax Abatement for Real Property
for the Surviving Spouses of Police Officers, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians that
have Fallen in the Line of Duty on April 5, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Thrive 55+ Active Living Center
at 102 New Town Road, Groton CT as well as via Zoom and on GMTV.

TOWN OF NORTH HAVEN
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Notice is hereby given of a Special Town Meeting of the Town of North Haven
to be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the auditorium of the
North Haven High School, 221 Elm Street, North Haven, Connecticut, at
7:00 pm to consider and act upon the following:
1. To consider and act upon a resolution adopting the proposed
Ordinance to Provide a Tax Abatement for Real Property Taxes for
the Surviving Spouses of Police Officers, Firefighters and
Emergency Medical Technicians Who Died While in the
Performance of Duties.
A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file and available for inspection in
the office of the Town Clerk.
Dated at North Haven, Connecticut, this 2nd day of May 2024.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
A) jo 
aba
Michael J. Freda a
fli...
William P%per
ally 
J. Buemi
RECEIVED AND FILEC
TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
NORTH HAVEN, CT
MAY 03 2024
(pana tduarg
TOWN CLERK

RESOLVED: That that the Town Meeting hereby adopts an Ordinance to
Provide a Tax Abatement for Surviving Spouses of Police Officers,
Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians Who Died While in the
Performance of Duties.
The Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper having circulation in
the Town of North Haven and shail be effective fifteen (15) days after
publication,
ORDINANCE TO FOLLOW NEXT PAGE,

Ordinance to Provide a Tax Abatement for Real Property Taxes for the Surviving Spouses
of Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians Who Died While in the
Performance of Duties
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §12-81x, the Town of North Haven, through its Town
Meeting, hereby adapts this Ordinance for the abatement of residential real estate taxes for
spouses of firefighters, police officers, and Emergency Medical Technicians (“EMT”) who die
on duty while in performance of their duties,
(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Ordinance, shall have
the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a
different meaning:
Emergency Medical Technician (“EMT”) means any person who was a resident of the Town of
North Haven at the time of his/her death, was certified as an emergency medical technician by
the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services and was performing EMT duties
full-time or part-time for any valid municipal ambulance service provider located within the
geographical boundaries of the State of Connecticut.
.Firefighter means any person who was a resident of the Town of North Haven at the time of
his/her death and was a duly employed or volunteer member of a municipal fire department for
the purpose of performing fire duties full-time or part-time for any valid fire department located
within the geographical boundaries of the state of Connecticut.
.Police officer means any person who was a resident of the Town of North Haven at the time of
his/her death and was a duly sworn member of a municipal police department, serving in an
official capacity, full-time or part-time, with compensation or a duly sworn member of the town
police department or agency serving the town in an official capacity, full-time or part-time,
including but not limited to School Resource Officers, for any valid police department located
within the geographical boundaries of the state of Connecticut.
.EMT duties means duties performed while traveling to, at, or returning directly from calls
routed through an emergency dispatch center, or tests or trials of any apparatus or equipment
normal normally used by the employer ambulance service provider; while instructing or being
instructed in EMT duties; or while engaging in any other duty ordered to be performed by a
superior or commanding officer in the ambulance service provider.
.Fire duties means duties performed while at fires, while answering alarms of fires, while
answering calls for mutual aid assistance, while returning from calls for mutual aid assistance,
while directly returning from fires, while at tests or trials of any apparatus or equipment normally
used by the fire department, while going to or returning directly from such tests or trials, while
instructing or being instructed in fire duties, and any other duty ordered to be performed by a
superior or commanding officer in the fire department.
DRAFT TO GO BEFOE THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OF MAY 20, 2024 
Page 1 of 3

.Police duties means any action which an officer is obligated or authorized by law, rule,
regulation. or written condition of employment of service to perform during regularly scheduled
hours, or other hours that qualify for compensation from a local police department.
.Performance of duty death means the death occurs while the firefighter, police officer or EMT
is performing an action solely related to performance of their regular work or as part of it. It
does not include deaths that could just have likely occurred while not in the performance of such
duties, In the event that the Board of Selectmen finds that a determination is necessary to
conclude that the death was in performance of duties, the First Selectman shall consult with the
applicable Chief and Commission along with the Town Attomey and the First Selectman may
consult a licensed medical professional engaged by the Town if it is deemed appropriate to reach
a consensus conclusion. The First Selectman shall present the conclusion to the Board of
Selectmen for final decision. Regular travel to and from the place of business is not considered in
the performance of duties. A certified copy of an incident report or such other reasonable
evidence required by the Town shall be provided by an applicant..
Surviving spouse means the person who was a resident of the Town of North Haven and legally
married to or in a legally recognized marriage with the police officer, EMT, or firefighter at the
time of the policer officer's, EMT’s, or firefighter's death..
(b) In accordance with C.G.S. § 12-81x, there is hereby established effective for the Grand List
of October |, 2022, an abatement of one hundred percent (100%) of municipal real estate
residential property taxes due with respect te real property owned by the surviving spouse of a
firefighter, MT, or police officer who has died as a result of the performance of his/her duties
as police officer, EMT, or firefighter. The abatement only applies to Town residential real estate
taxes due to the Town of North Haven and does not apply to any district or other political
subdivision taxes that may be due.
(c) The tax abatement will remain in effect so long as the surviving spouse owns the property as
of the October Ist grand list and occupies the property as her/his primary residence or until the
spouse conveys her/his fee interest in the subject residence. If the spouse subsequently purchases
another residence in North Haven, and all qualifying criteria remain, then the tax abatement shall
apply to the new residence. For any property that is in a trust, a copy of the trust agreement must
be provided to the Assessor for review. The terms of the trust agreement must indicate that the
claimant must be considered to be the primary beneficiary of the trust in order to be eligible for
the abatement hereunder.
(d) Upon the death of any surviving spouse entitled to tax relief pursuant to this section, the tax
relief hereunder shall immediately expire and terminate.
(e) If any person who is entitled to a tax abatement hereunder conveys her/his fee title in the
property with respect to which the tax abatement hereunder has been granted, the tax relief shall
be suspended as of the date of conveyance and the nonqualifying grantee of such property shall
pay the Town the prorated share of taxes thereby due and owing. The Assessor shall be notified
by the applicant of the transfer within 10 days of the property transfer date.
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Page 2 of 
3

(f) The property tax relief provided for in this section shall, in any case where title to real
property is recorded in the name of the qualifying surviving spouse and any other person or
persons, be prorated to reflect the fractional portion of such qualifying spouse, or, if such
property is a multiple family or multiple use dwelling, such relief be prorated to reflect the
fractional portion of such property occupied by the qualifying spouse. A spouse desiring such
abatement shall submit an application to the assessor requesting a determination as to whether
such abatement is permitted.
(g) If such surviving spouse remarries, the abatement shall immediately expire and terminate.
(h) The Assessor shall prescribe such forms and procedures as may be necessary to implement
this section. The Assessor, in addition, shall take such steps necessary to satisfactorily establish
and verify the facts as to the qualifying surviving spouse’s interest in the property, by requesting
such documents as the Assessor deems necessary. Such documentation shall be required and
provided annually to maintain the tax abatement. Eligibility shall be determined by the Assessor
and/or his/her designee, and such determination shall be final.
(i) 
No later than November 1st of each year, the surviving spouse shall complete and file with
the Assessor an application for the 100% abatement and attest annually that: they have not
rematried since the death of their police officer, EMT, or firefighter spouse and
(j) This ordinance shall become effective on the fifteenth (15) day after publication of the
Notice of Passage of the ordinance and shall be applicable to assessment years commencing on
or after October 1, 2022.
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Page 3 of 3

Draft Proposal submitted by Tim Condon 
March 16, 2026
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A TAX ABATEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY FOR THE
SURVIVING SPOUSES OF POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS and EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
THAT HAVE FALLEN IN THE LINE OF DUTY
Recognition. The Town of Waterford recognizes the valiant and courageous efforts of police officers,
firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Therefore, pursuant to Section 12-81x of the
Connecticut General Statutes, the Representative Town Meeting of the Town of Waterford having the
legislative authority hereby establishes this article for the abatement of a portion of the property taxes
due with respect to real property owned and occupied as the principal residence of the surviving spouse
of a police officer, firefighter or EMT who suffers a line of duty death.
Purpose. Abatement of property taxes for spouses of firefighters, police officers and emergency medical
technicians, who die on duty while in performance of their duties.
(a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different
meaning:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) means any person who is certified as an emergency medical
technician by the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services performing EMT duties full-
time or part-time for any valid ambulance service provider.
EMT duties means duties performed while traveling to, at, or returning directly from calls routed
through an emergency dispatch center, or tests or trials of any apparatus or equipment normal normally
used by the employer ambulance service provider; while instructing or being instructed in EMT duties;
or while engaging in any other duty ordered to be performed by a superior or commanding officer in the
ambulance service provider.
Fire duties means duties performed while at fires, while answering alarms of fires, while answering calls
for mutual aid assistance, while returning from calls for mutual aid assistance, while directly returning
from fires, while at tests or trials of any apparatus or equipment normally used by the fire department,
while going to or returning directly from such tests or trials, while instructing or being instructed in fire
duties, and any other duty ordered to be performed by a superior or commanding officer in the fire
department.
Firefighter means any person who is a duly employed member of a municipal fire department and paid
or volunteers for the purpose of performing fire duties for any valid fire.
Line of duty death means the death occurs while the firefighter, emergency medical technician, or
police officer is performing an action solely related to performance of their regular work or as a part of
it. it does not include deaths that could just have likely occurred while not on duty. Travel to and from
the place of business is not considered in the line of duty.
Police officer means a duly sworn member of a municipal police department, serving in an official
capacity, full-time or part-time, with compensation or a duly sworn member of the town police

department serving the town in an official capacity, full-time or part-time, for any valid police
department.
Police duties means any action which an officer is obligated or authorized by law, rule, regulation, or
written condition of employment of service to perform during regularly scheduled hours, or other hours
that qualify for compensation from a police department.
Surviving spouse means the person who was a resident of the town and married to the police officer,
emergency medical technician or firefighter at the time of the police officer’s, emergency medical
technicians or firefighter’s death.
Valid Ambulance Services Provider means any business/non-profit engaged in the business of
transporting sick, disabled or injured individuals by ambulance to or from facilities or institutions
providing health services.
(b) In accordance with state statute § 12-81x, there is hereby established effective for the Grand List of
October 1, 2026, an abatement of one hundred percent (100%) of municipal real residential property
taxes due with respect to real property owned by the surviving spouse of a police officer who has died
as a result of the performance of police duties, a firefighter who has died as a result of the performance
of fire duties or an emergency medical technician who has died as a result of the performance of EMT
duties. The abatement only applies to Town taxes due to the Town of Waterford.
(c) The tax abatement will remain in effect so long as the surviving spouse owns the property as of the
October ist grand list and occupies the residence as their primary residence or until the spouse conveys
their fee interest in the subject residence. If the spouse subsequently purchases another residence in
the town, and all qualifying criteria remain, then the tax abatement shall apply to the new residence. For
any property that is in a Trust, a copy of the Trust agreement must be provided to the assessor for
review. The terms of the trust agreement are that the claimant must be considered to be the primary
beneficiary of the trust.
(d) Upon the death of any person entitled to tax relief pursuant to this section, the tax relief hereunder
shall end the following June 30th.
(e) If any person who is entitled to a tax abatement hereunder conveys their fee title in the property
with respect to which the tax abatement hereunder has been granted, the tax relief shail be suspended
as of the date of conveyance and the non-qualifying grantee of such property shall pay the town a
prorated share of taxes thereby due and owing. The assessor is to be notified by the applicant of the
transfer within 10 days of the property transfer date.
(f) The property tax relief provided for in this section shall, in any case where title to real property is
recorded in the name of the qualifying surviving spouse and any other person or persons, be prorated to
reflect the fractional portion of such qualifying spouse, or, if such property is a multiple family or
multiple use dwelling, such relief be prorated to reflect the fractional portion of such property occupied
by the qualifying spouse. A spouse desiring such abatement shall submit an application to the assessor
requesting a determination as to whether such abatement is permitted.
{g) If such surviving spouse remarries, the abatement shall cease commencing with taxes on the October
Ast grand list next following the date of such remarriage. In the event that such remarriage shall

terminate, such surviving spouse may apply for the abatement commencing with taxes due on the
October 1st grand list next following the date of such termination.
(h) The surviving spouse’s annual income may not be more than 400% of the Federal
Poverty Level for a single-person family/household as published annually in January in
the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) for the 48
contiguous states and the District of Columbia.
{i) The tax collector and assessor shall prescribe with regard to their respective duties under this section
such forms and procedures as may be necessary to implement this section. The assessor, in addition,
shall take such steps necessary to satisfactorily establish the facts as to the qualifying surviving spouse’s
interest in the property, by requesting such documents as the assessor deems necessary. Such
documentation will be required yearly to continue the tax abatement. Eligibility shall be determined by
the assessor and/or their designee, and such determination shall be final.
?
(j) 
No tater than November 1st of each year the surviving spouse shall complete & file with the
assessor an application for the 100% abatement & attest annually that
(1) 
they have not remarried since the death of their police officer or firefighter spouse and
(2) 
adjusted gross income as reported to the IRS for the prior calendar year does not exceed 400% of
the Federal Poverty limit by providing a copy of their completed Form 1040.
(j) This ordinance shall become effective on the 15th day after publication of the Notice of Passage of
the ordinance and shall be applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2026.