[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E465-E466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MICHAEL SPELLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           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

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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.

                          ____________________