Almost silent night Police get few calls on Christmas

By Meredith Blake Staff Correspondent

December 26, 2007

Before emptying stockings and unwrapping gifts under the tree, Police Officer Timothy Kelly, 28, spent Christmas Day patrolling the streets of Greenwich.

Kelly, who was told when he attended Police Academy that holidays can often be one of the busiest days of the year with domestic disputes and DUIs, said this has not been the case for him over the past 6-1/2 years with the department.

"It's probably the deadest day of the year," he said. "Typically, today it's a lot of driving around."

While most people were home with their families yesterday, police officers and firefighters celebrated part of the holiday keeping the town safe -- prepared for anything.

Kelly has worked several holidays over the past few years, usually Christmas, and couldn't recall any major incidents on this day in prior years. But there was a time, before he started, when theft was an issue during the holidays. With people away and homes stocked with expensive gifts, the town would be the target of burglars. But not this year, he said.

Yesterday, there were approximately 10 patrol cars on the roads in town. It is important that they maintain a presence on the road, looking for "grossly negligent," violations of traffic laws, he said.

But he added, "We're not looking to ruin anyone's holiday."

After his shift, Kelly celebrated the holiday with his wife at his in-laws' house and later at his brother's in Shelton, with his three nieces.

"I enjoy it," he said.

For the fire department, things were much the same.

"It tends to be a very quiet day," said Firefighter Tom Lenart, 30, who was one of 21 firefighters on duty throughout town.

Christmas Eve was very busy for the department. They received numerous calls on small stove fires -- "People cooking their Christmas meals," Lenart said.

Yesterday, though, except for an early morning fire alarm set off by a kitchen stove, it was just a typical day for the crew. Each firefighter brought in some food, including a turkey to deep fry, and Christmas cookies.

It is difficult for some of the firefighters to come in on the holiday, especially if they have children, said Lenart.

"But when you get hired, it comes with the territory," he added.