State Police Union, in rare announcement, criticizes the transfer of Spokesman Lt. Paul Vance

vanceThe sudden, unexplained transfer to the traffic squad of longtime State Police Spokesman Lt. Paul Vance, who became a national figure during the December, 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, has prompted a rare comment from the State Police Union. Here it is in its entirety.:

“Union Response To The Transfer of Lt. Paul Vance
The Connecticut State Police Captains and Lieutenants Union, is 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 is the most senior trooper within our agency, an agency that he loves and has served for most of his life. 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 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.  Lt. Vance began his assignment with the public information office of the state police under our states beloved late governor William O’Neil and has served many Governors since. The union sees no reason nor are we aware of anything that would have been a just cause transfer of Lt. Vance.

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.

Lt. Vance has served numerous public safety commissioners with honor and distinction always representing the state police, other police agencies and the entire State of Connecticut with the professionalism one would expect of a public information officer.

He has obtained international acclaim during one of the most horrific tragedy’s in the State of Connecticut during Sandy Hook. His ability to provide accurate information to the nation as well as the Newtown community during such a sad time, 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.

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.

The transfer of Lt. Vance, is in the opinion of our union, to be an example of the Commissioner’s management style that negatively impacts the men and women of the Connecticut State Police, which comprises the majority of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. 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.  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.”