Major Santry of the CPD Retires After 28 Years

Patch sat down recently with Major John Santry of the (CPD) to talk about his retirement, his plans for the future, and the changes he's seen over 28 years of police work.

A Little History

Santry grew up in Guilford, but because he worked at the old Finast grocery store (now Ocean State Job Lot), he knew many folks from Clinton including several in the police department, just one of the reasons Santry is retiring from Clinton and not Guilford.

After graduating from the University of New Haven, Santry joined the CPD as a probationary police officer in May of 1984.  He was promoted to corporal in 1992; sergeant in 1998; and major in 2008.

He worked in the old police station (brick building to the west of Andrews Memorial Town Hall) for the majority of his career, moving to the new building at 170 East Main Street when it was completed in 2004.

What's Changed

From 1984 to 2012, a few things have changed around town and in the CPD, said Santry with a grin.

"One of the first that comes to mind is the once big influx of summer people who left after Labor Day," said Santry. "The town would be very quiet in the winter."

The population has grown from about 10,000 to 13,500, but the seasonal shift isn't as apparent as it was when Santry first began patrolling the streets.

In 1984, Pond's was the biggest employer, said Santry. Today, the former Pond's is now Unilever and due to close at the end of this year.  Coming onto the scene in the 1990s was Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, a big addition to town. There are new, big grocery stores such as Stop & Shop and ShopRite, as well as many more marinas and campsites.

All of this means more responsibility for the CPD.

Another change involves the complexity of new police laws, added Santry, many of which are for the better including new domestic laws. New laws mean additional training, education and review time for all officers.

"The level of collaboration between departments in town has changed," said Santry. "There's more cooperation and coordination."

Years ago, there was no formal interaction between the Board of Education and the CPD, for example.

"The type of employees we recruit and hire has changed as well," said Santry.

Many of the new officers have advanced degrees and may have come out of federal and state jobs before joining the CPD.

"The quality of the level of preparedness coming into the job is greater," he said.

And of course, the technology has changed dramatically for not only the CPD but for the rest of the population.

""Technology" in 1984 meant what we had on our uniform and what we were driving," said Santry.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

As an officer with 28 years of experience in a small town, Santry has "seen it all."

"This is the greatest ride on earth and you get to see the best and the worst," he said, noting that the majority of it is positive.

Many years ago while on patrol at night, Santry received a call from dispatch saying a woman had reported a "crazed animal" outside her home. As Santry and a partner drove to her residence, they couldn't imagine what they'd find.

Turns out, a large plastic figure of a dinosaur had been blown or placed on her front lawn.

"She thought it looked scary from her front window," said Santry.

Memories

Reflecting on 28 years, Santry thinks about what he has experienced at the CPD including personal visits by President Bill Clinton and Senators Chris Dodd and Joseph Lieberman; the $2 million in grants to the CPD that he helped secure; the many community members he has met and assisted; and the arrival of Hurricane Irene and a short week later hosting the 100th anniversary of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department parade that went off without a hitch.

"I'm truly thankful to be a part of this great community that has a unique and positive spirit of coming together in both good times and challenging times," said Santry.

The Future

You'll still see Santry around town as a supernumerary (part-time officer) at special events and running the police boat.

He'll maintain his involvement in the FEMA/Homeland Security Region 2 All Hazards Incident Command Team as chief of planning. This group coordinates and trains folks from all disciplines (police, fire, public health) to respond most effectively and efficiently in a crisis.

He's also looking forward to taking some time off and spending it with his family: wife Joanne, an emergency room nurse at Yale-New Haven Hospital; daughter Laura, a junior at UConn; and son Michael, a high school senior.

There is a retirement dinner being planned for Major John Santry by the Clinton Police Department on Thursday, August 16, 5:30pm, and , 34 Riverside Drive in Clinton. The cost is $40 per person and includes a buffet dinner and gift. There's a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased from Wendy McDermott (860-669-0451 x 1701. All are welcome.