The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MICHAEL SPELLMAN
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding 34-year career in public safety of the City of Groton Police Chief Michael Spellman. Chief Spellman recently announced his retirement, after serving the public as a member of law enforcement in various capacities including resident state trooper for 25 years, followed by a stint as a detective in the statewide narcotics squad, and culminating in his appointment to the Chief of the Groton force. Throughout that long tenure he upheld the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and compassion, never losing focus on his mission ``to protect and serve.''
A lifelong proud resident of the Pawcatuck section of Stonington, Michael is a proud alumnus of Stonington High School where he was involved in student government, a multi-sport Varsity letterman, and an honorable mention as an Offensive Guard on the 1980 New Haven Register All State Team. Michael demonstrated his leadership skills early in life and took his talents to Central Connecticut State University where he would earn his B.A. in political science and public administration.
After earning his degree, Michael decided to dedicate himself to working on the front lines to protect the public as a law enforcement officer. In 1987, Michael graduated from the 96th Training Troop of The Connecticut State Police--the rest, they say, is history. Starting his career as a state trooper at Troop E in Montville, Michael served the community as a state police officer in East Lyme, Danielson, and Meriden. While simultaneously working as a state trooper--Michael was also active in several community coalitions including the Quality-of-Life Task Force, The Women's Center of Northeast Connecticut Community Partnership Team, the statewide Casino Unit, among many other organizations. His hard work and dedication was rewarded when he was named State Police Troop Commander in Colchester, where he took command over 100 sworn and civilian employees providing primary law enforcement for 11 municipalities and a population of over 100,000. Between 2010 and 2014, Michael briefly departed the realm of public service to join the private sector as a security consultant. Heeding the call back to public service, however, Michael joined Groton's local force as a patrol officer in 2014. As was expected with his extensive background--he climbed the ranks to Chief in 2017, going on to work as a critical asset in furthering Groton City Police Department's mission to ensure the safety and protection of our citizens.
In his time as Chief of Groton Police Michael transformed the impact and culture of the local police force. His community policing style connected the department and members of the public in a way that allowed officers to work in tandem with citizens to tackle issues together. Under Michael's leadership the department also underwent an era of modernization, including joining the state radio system, implementing body cameras, de-escalation training, and hiring the first ALEC (Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition) certified instructor in Connecticut. These milestones exemplify only a small degree of what has been accomplished under Michael's leadership. For further example, in 2016 Michael made national headlines when he led the rescue mission to save a woman who accidently drove her car into the Thames River. This act garnered Michael and two fellow officers the department's Lifesaving Award. One of my most memorable experiences as a Congressman was joining Chief Spellman for a ride along in the city a couple of years ago. He showed me parts of the community that were experiencing difficulty with the opioid crisis, and I saw him in action personally checking for the health and safety of some the more vulnerable citizens who clearly regarded him as a friend and neighbor, not a threatening outsider. Police work is a difficult balancing act for even the most talented experienced officers, and he showed me his almost effortless skill in mastering that balance.
Michael amassed a multitude of accolades and awards throughout his career including MADD awards for DWI enforcement and education, the Women's Center of NECT Connecticut Crisis Center Distinguished Professional Award, five Outstanding Service Medals, three Unit Citations, and many other recognitions. A heavily decorated career such as Chief Spellman's represents his true commitment to keeping the community safe. One final comment I would like to share is that Chief Spellman comes from a family in which public service is an honored tradition. His late father James, Senior was a longtime first selectman of Stonington who made a huge positive difference in southeastern Connecticut. His brothers also have been pillars in the community in various local and state offices and endeavors. I truly believe that his dad would be immensely proud of them all and applaud Michael's departure on his own terms with a sterling reputation that upholds the family's legacy.
Madam Speaker, now, in May 2021, we sadly say goodbye to Michael's conscientious leadership. As he steps down from his post as Chief, we can only go on to hope that the example of his leadership will pass down to future generations within the Groton Police Department. I want to congratulate Michael on a civic service career spanning thirty-four years, and with this congratulations I ask the Chamber join me in appreciating Groton Police Chief Michael Spellman and his dedication to serving the public. We thank Michael for everything he has done as a first responder. Best wishes to him for a joyful retirement and I wish his wife Heather Buffinton and two children, Michael and Hannah, continued happiness, and success.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 73
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