State deploys 13 troopers to Puerto Rico to aid in relief efforts

Island still faces challenges after Hurricane Maria

HARTFORD — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Monday announced 13 Connecticut State Police troopers were deployed to Puerto Rico to assist in recovery efforts on the island, which is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Maria.

Malloy said the troopers’ deployment from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is part of Connecticut’s efforts to assist Puerto Rico in post-hurricane recovery and will be providing security, patrolling service and traffic assistance to local police on the island. Twelve of the 13 troopers are fluent in Spanish. The crew flew out from Bradley Airport Monday, according to a release from Malloy’s office.

The deployment of the troopers is the latest effort made by state officials hoping to assist Puerto Rico’s recovery following Hurricane Maria’s landfall in September. Bloomberg News reported Nov. 23 the U.S. Department of Energy had restored 50 percent of the island’s power capacity.

The state is home to some of the, “bravest, brightest, and most selfless state troopers in the nation,” Malloy said in the release.

“I’m incredibly proud of the troopers that volunteered to assist the people of Puerto Rico in their time of need, and wish them a successful tour of duty, and a safe return home,” Malloy said. “These deployments build upon Connecticut’s major hurricane recovery support efforts, including the over 70 recovery missions engaged in by our National Guard.”

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said in the release that the state knows first-hand how important it is to help in Puerto Rico’s recovery.

“I commend the Connecticut State Police Troopers for their assistance in these efforts and I thank them and their families for their service. Our troopers are the most respected law enforcement officials in the world with their long history of support. I wish them best wishes and a safe return.”

DESPP Commissioner Dora Schriro said the trooper’s efforts demonstrate the agency has among the most, “community-focused police forces in the country.”

According to the release, the state has provided 100 National Guardsmen to offer support services. They have conducted 73 missions aboard C-130s. These guardsmen have been involved in communications, security forces, maintenance and aerial port operations, according to the release.

In addition to other support measures, the state’s Office of Early Childhood is helping identify childcare opportunities. They are among several state agencies assisting in recovery efforts for evacuees relocating moving to the state following the storm. Connecticut schools have also been welcoming new students whose families relocated here following the storm.

Contributed photo Thirteen Connecticut state troopers prepare to depart for Puerto Rico, where they are to assist in recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria.