Groton Telecommunicators - IAFF Local 5378

06/02/2026

The Town of Groton Police Department wishes to remind residents of potential traffic disruptions tomorrow (June 3) due to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Residents should expect delays along Route 1 beginning around 3 p.m.

At 3:08 p.m., runners will receive the Flame of Hope from the Groton City Police Department at the intersection of Route 1 and Harry Day Drive.

Runners and a police es**rt will carry the torch east along Route 1 (Fort Hill Road/New London Road/West Main Street) and over the Mystic River Drawbridge.

At 3:47 p.m., runners will hand off the torch to the Stonington Police Department.

The department encourages residents to safely cheer on the runners, including Special Olympics athletes, and asks drivers to slow down for the safety of the runners.

To learn more about the Torch Run and its route, visit: https://www.soct.org/event-calendar/law-enforcement-torch-run

06/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 2, 2026

Groton Police Respond to Fire at The Ledges Apartments

GROTON, CT — Town of Groton Police and fire companies from across the region responded to a structure fire Sunday at The Ledges Apartments, which displaced the residents of more than 40 apartments.

On Sunday, May 31, at approximately 2:53 a.m., the Groton Emergency Dispatch Center received several 911 calls from residents of The Ledges Apartments, 11 Ledgewood Road, Groton, Connecticut, reporting a fully involved structure fire in Building 10.

Groton Police Officers and a Groton Long Point Police Officer responded immediately and confirmed a structure fire in Building 10. The officers assisted residents with safely exiting their apartments.

Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department arrived on the scene and began fighting the fire. They were joined by numerous other fire personnel and apparatus and were able to extinguish the fire, which caused major structural and smoke damage to much of Building 10.

As a result, fire and building officials deemed over 40 apartment units uninhabitable. No residents reported injuries, but two firefighters suffered apparent minor injuries. Displaced residents were brought to the clubhouse of The Ledges Apartments for further assistance with temporary housing.

In addition to the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department; members of the City of Groton Fire Department, Submarine Base Fire Department, Old Mystic Fire Department, Electric Boat Fire Department, Noank Fire Department, Center Groton Fire Department, Waterford Fire Department, Mohegan Tribal Fire Department, New London Fire Department, City of Norwich Fire Department, Montville Fire Department, North Stonington Fire Department, Old Saybrook Fire Department, Ledyard Fire Department, Gales Ferry Fire Department, Pawcatuck Fire Department, and Wequetequock Fire Department provided mutual aid, responding to assist with extinguishing the fire. Groton Ambulance, Mystic River Ambulance, and Lawrence & Memorial Paramedics also arrived on scene to assist as needed.

The American Red Cross also responded to the scene and assisted the displaced residents with securing temporary housing. The Special Signal Fire Association/Providence Canteen Truck responded to assist first responders and displaced apartment residents.

Groton Police Fire Investigators and members of the department’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) responded to the scene to investigate the fire’s origin.

The Poquonnock Bridge Fire Marshal also responded, as did the Connecticut State Police’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Groton Police Fire Investigation Unit, Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Unit, and the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Marshal.

“Our sympathies go out to all of the tenants who find themselves without a home after this devastating fire,” said Chief L.J. Fusaro Jr. “Luckily, a lightning-fast response by first responders across the region helped to ensure there were no significant injuries. We’d like to thank all of our mutual aid partners, whose cooperation at the scene undoubtedly saved lives on Sunday.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Town of Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.

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https://grotonpolice.org/groton-police-respond-to-fire-at-the-ledges-apartments/

05/25/2026

Today, IAFF Local 5378 honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage, dedication, and selflessness of those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we hold dear.

As first responders, we understand the meaning of service and sacrifice, and today we stand united in gratitude for our fallen heroes and the families who carry their memory forward every day.

Please take a moment today to remember and honor those who never made it home.

🇺🇸 We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

05/04/2026

04/30/2026

**Attempt to Locate Owners**

This female bully was located on Osprey Drive earlier this week, and we still have been unable to locate her owners. Please share this post and reach out to our ACO's if you have any information: 860-441-6709. Thank you!

04/24/2026

04/22/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 22, 2026

Groton Police Make Arson Arrest After Hotel Fire

GROTON, CT — Groton Police have arrested a hotel resident for arson following an early morning hotel room fire.

On Wednesday, April 22, at approximately 5:34 a.m., the Groton Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a guest of the Flagship Inn & Suites, 470 Gold Star Hwy, Groton, reporting a man was breaking out windows and attempting to light an adjacent room on fire.

Groton Police officers arrived on scene and discovered that a hotel room was on fire. Officers attempted to gain entry but were unsuccessful. Fire personnel subsequently arrived, gained access to the room, and extinguished the fire, which was contained to a single room.

Officers located the room’s occupant, later identified as SHAWN W. BARROWS, 30 YEARS OLD, of GROTON, sitting on a curb a short distance from the room. Following further investigation, it was determined that BARROWS had intentionally set fire to his hotel room.

BARROWS was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London for evaluation and treatment of possible smoke inhalation. Upon discharge, he was arrested and transported to Groton Police Headquarters, processed and held on a $150,000 bond.

BARROWS’ was a resident at the Flag Ship Inn & Suites, his last known address.

BARROWS has been charged with the following:

- 53a-111, Arson in the First Degree
- 53a-63, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
- 53a-181, Breach of Peace in the Second Degree

Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Submarine Base Fire Department, and the Old Mystic Fire Department provided mutual aid and helped to extinguish the fire. Groton Ambulance personnel also arrived on scene to assist as needed. No injuries were reported as a result of this fire.

Groton Police Detectives and Fire Investigators responded to assist with the investigation. The fire remains under investigation by the Groton Police Department’s Fire Investigation Unit and the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Marshal.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or other criminal activity are encouraged to contact the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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04/20/2026

During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, IAFF Local 5378 would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Town of Groton Police Department, City of Groton Police Department, Groton Long Point Police Department, Groton Ambulance Association, Mystic River Ambulance Association, City of Groton Firefighters Union, Poquonnock Bridge Professional Firefighters Local 2704, Old Mystic Fire Department (Official), Mystic Fire Department - Official, Submarine Base Firefighters Local F-219, Electric Boat Fire Department, Noank Fire Department, Groton Long Point Volunteer Fire Department, Center Groton Fire Department, Lawrence + Memorial (L+M) Hospital Paramedics for the overwhelming appreciation, thoughtful gestures, and generous goodies.

Your support means more than words can express. Telecommunicators are the calm behind the chaos, and it’s truly special to feel recognized by the very agencies we work alongside every day.

Thank you for your kindness, your partnership, and for reminding us how strong the bond is within our public safety community. We are proud to serve with all of you today and every day.