3 Questions for Chief Matthew Canelli: May 2013

North Branford Patch: What's new at the North Branford Police Department?
Chief Matthew Canelli: Detective Ronald Onofrio retired in April after completing more than 25 years of dedicated service to the town.  Ron follows a North Branford Police family legacy as his late father, Bob Onofrio, dedicated 25 years of service to the police department as well as retiring at the rank of sergeant.  Ron was the departments first DARE officer and an outstanding detective.  His absence will surely be felt. 

North Branford Patch: What is something residents should know?
Canelli:  Spring is prom time and a time for high school seniors to celebrate before heading off to college. Unfortunately some of this celebrating is mixed with underaged drinking and the results are often tragic. The members of the North Branford Police Department strongly encourage parents to talk to their children during this time period and here are some things to consider discussing:

• Tell kids that you know prom night is often a big drinking night and that you're concerned for their safety. Talk with them about the consequences of drinking -- diminished judgment, becoming more uninhibited, nausea, vomiting, hangovers, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
• Drinking too much too rapidly can cause alcohol toxicity that leads to loss of consciousness and even death. Share your specific concerns about what might happen that could compromise their safety.
• Kids should never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, even if it's their girlfriend or boyfriend. Many parents have a bargain with their teenagers that they can call home at any time of day or night to be picked up with no questions asked. If your family doesn't have a car, then you can send a cab, or come and get them on public transportation.
• Brainstorm about ways that kids can handle being around peers who are drinking. Encourage them not to give in to peer pressure. Kids can say up front, "I don't like the ways alcohol affects me." Suggest that they stick to soft drinks, such as juice, sodas or water.
• Point out that drinking allows you to take risks you might not usually take or to put yourself in dangerous situations.

Our number one mission at the North Branford Police Department is the safety and well-being of our residents. We strongly encourage parents of children in our community to engage in an open dialog with their children about alcohol use and help us keep them safe. Anyone wishing additional information on this subject or substance abuse can contact DARE instructor Officer Timothy Cunningham at Cunningham@nbpolicect.org.

North Branford Patch: Are you a baseball fan?
Canelli:  I am an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

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