The Connecticut State Police Captains and Lieutenants Union released a statement expressing outrage that longtime state police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance has been reassigned to join the State Police Traffic Services Division and are calling on the state police commissioner to reconsider.
The union wrote in the statement that it's "disappointed with the actions that the state police commissioner has taken against a well respected and decorated veteran of over 40 years of the Connecticut State Police."
"He (Vance) is the most senior trooper within our agency, an agency that he loves and has served for most of his life," the union said in the statement. "For reasons unknown, Lt. Paul Vance is being transferred from his current position as the state police public information officer. He is in good health and has not requested this change in assignment at this time and this is not the result of a disciplinary issue. Additionally he has been told that he has done an outstanding job in his position which causes us to wonder why someone would be moved for doing a good job."
The union criticized State Police Commissioner Dora B. Shriro's management style and said that the "manner in which Lt. Vance was removed was inappropriate and the actions of his removal indicates a disrespect for State Police Commanders."
"We maintain that Lt. Vance has done his job well and we can’t help but believe that the commissioners actions in this matter are reflective of her limited understanding of leadership in the public safety field in general and Law Enforcement specifically," the union said. " As a union, we are disappointed with Commissioner Schriro’s potential decision to remove and transfer Lt. Vance out of the public information office and would ask that she reconsider her decision.”
The union went on to emphasize that "the importance of the exchange of information between law enforcement and the citizens of Connecticut is of paramount importance and Paul Vance has been that person to solely represent our agency for over 16 years."
Vance began as the public information officer for the state police under former Gov. William O'Neill's administration and has served many governors, according to the union.
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"The union sees no reason nor are we aware of anything that would have been a just cause transfer of Lt. Vance," the union stated. "Lt. Vance has garnered the trust of the citizens of Connecticut and has been a voice of calm when significant public safety issues arise. The relationship that he has with our states citizens, elected officials, judicial system and more importantly, the media has been one of trust, accommodation and professionalism. His concern for the victims of crimes is evident in the press releases and statements that he submits, always keeping public safety at the forefront."
The union touted Vance's professionalism and service, also noting that "he has obtained international acclaim" after the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School two years ago in providing "accurate information to the nation as well as the Newtown community during such a sad time." The union said that Vance "helped keep a calm over the community and provided an air of trust and answers for so many that were seeking it on that fateful day."
"The importance of having a relationship with the media ensures that the essential and accurate information concerning events is clearly stated in a timely and accurate manner to the public, our customers whom we are sworn to protect," the union said. "Lt. Vance has received statewide recognition from many media outlets as well as national recognition from CNN for the way he handled criminal and public safety events that occurred in the State of Connecticut."
No replacement has been announced to serve as the new state police public information officer.
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection spokesman Scott DeVico said the change will happen on or around March 20. He could not give a reason for Vance's reassignment.
