The Darien Police Association (DPA) is providing clarification following statements made during today’s “Ask the First Selectman” segment on Darien Channel 79 regarding the proposed amendment to the Police Pension Plan.
The DPA believes it is important that residents have accurate and complete information when evaluating an issue that directly impacts public safety staffing and operations in the Town of Darien.
Staffing Reality
During the segment, it was stated that there are no staffing shortages that would justify the proposed change. That characterization does not reflect the current reality within the Town’s emergency communications system.
Since 2014, the Town of Darien has hired 25 police dispatchers. Of those, 18 have resigned—many for other employment opportunities or due to training challenges. Notably, the 17th and 18th resignations occurred just this month.
This level of turnover creates ongoing instability in emergency communications. These vacancies place strain on existing personnel, impact efficiency, and often require sworn police officers to fill dispatcher roles—reducing the number of officers available for patrol and community response.
Addressing these staffing challenges with experienced, trained personnel is critical to maintaining consistent and effective public safety services.
Use of Retired Officers in Other Municipalities
It was also suggested that only a limited number of municipalities allow retired public safety personnel to return to work in similar roles. In reality, more than 50 municipalities across Connecticut permit retired police and fire personnel to be rehired in public safety-related positions within their own communities.
This demonstrates that such arrangements are both common and operationally viable. These municipalities recognize the value of retaining experienced personnel who can contribute immediately and effectively.
Retirement and Continued Service
Another point raised during the segment was the idea that retirement should mean not returning to full-time work. While that may reflect a philosophical viewpoint, it does not align with current workforce realities or common municipal practices.
Across the state and region, many retirees continue working in various capacities. Municipalities frequently leverage the experience of retired public safety professionals in roles that benefit from their training, judgment, and familiarity with local operations.
Purpose of the Proposed Amendment
The proposed amendment was narrowly tailored to allow retired Darien police officers to be rehired by the Town in full-time civilian public safety roles—such as School Security Officer or emergency communications—without impacting the pension benefits they had already earned.
The goal was to provide the Town with additional flexibility to address staffing challenges while preserving institutional knowledge and maintaining high standards of service.
Retired Darien officers bring decades of experience, a deep understanding of local procedures, and established working relationships with current personnel. These factors allow them to be immediately effective in critical roles, with little to no additional training required.
Consistency in Application
The DPA also believes it is important to address an apparent inconsistency in the application of the “retirement means retirement” philosophy.
If the Town’s position is that individuals collecting a pension should not return to full-time work, it is reasonable to ask why the Town continues to hire retired public safety personnel from other municipalities into full-time roles.
This raises a broader question of consistency in policy and whether the same standard is being applied uniformly.
Conclusion
The Darien Police Association remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen public safety, improve operational efficiency, and provide value to the residents of Darien.
This proposal was intended to offer a practical, proven solution to ongoing staffing challenges while leveraging the experience of those who have already dedicated their careers to serving the Town.
The DPA encourages continued public discussion on this issue and believes that decisions of this importance should be based on accurate information and a clear understanding of operational needs.
For additional information or to discuss this matter further, members of the community are encouraged to reach out.