Crime & Safety

Chief Releases Post-Search Statement

Orange Police Chief Robert Gagne released the following statement today.

The recent case of Isabella Oleschuk serves as an example of how an entire community can mobilize to locate a missing, and possibly endangered child. This example is one to be admired and emulated in cases where a child is missing under unknown circumstances, and where abduction remains a possibility. I have never before experienced such an outpouring of action and support.

Whether it was law enforcement personnel who were directly involved in the investigation, or the numerous agencies and organizations involved in the search, or the general public who offered to help search or to provide other support, everyone came together in an exemplary fashion. There are numerous individuals who deserve thanks.

I have tried to keep the list of those who should be thanked publicly to a list of agencies and organizations; however I have listed some specific individuals who deserve special thanks. I apologize in advance for any oversights or omissions.

Find out what's happening in Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

First and foremost, thanks go to the citizens of the Town of Orange who were so helpful and supportive during this investigation. A special thank you goes to those who allowed searchers into their homes, sometimes during the middle of the night.

To the general public for all of your help in our attempt to locate Isabella. I cannot overemphasize the importance of cooperative effort between the police and public. A very special thanks goes to Linda Subbloie who called us with the information that ultimately allowed us to return Isabella to her family.

Find out what's happening in Orangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To the media, your coverage of the case kept the attention on Isabella. It ensured that the community was aware that she was missing, and focused their attention on reporting any unusual activity, which ultimately led to her being located.

A special thanks goes to Terri Miles and orange.patch.com for your constant updates on this case. Your outstanding coverage allowed the public and out of state Oleschuk family members to keep abreast of the situation, allowing law enforcement to concentrate on finding Isabella.

To (Rabbi Michael Farbman and Scott Chasen) and the (Reverend Stoddon King and Reverend Lee Ireland), thank you for your spiritual support and the use of your buildings.

To First Selectman James Zeoli, the Orange Board of Selectmen, and the Orange Board of Police Commissioners, thank you for your on-going and ever-present support.

Thank you to the following agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals who assisted or offered support services during this investigation:

– all personnel, sworn and civilian

Connecticut State Police:

                  Central District Major Crime Squad

                  Child Abduction Response Team

                  Emergency Services Canine and Dive Teams

                  Statewide Narcotics Task Force

 

Special thanks to Major Warren Hyatt, Captain Brian McLean, and Sergeant James Thomas

Federal Bureau of Investigation:

                  New Haven Division

                  New York Office

                  Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team

                  Evidence Response Team

                  Behavioral Analysis Unit

Special thanks to Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Mertz, Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Gelios, Supervisory Special Agent Mark Gentil, Special Agent Thomas Veivia, Special Agent  James Lawton, Supervisory Special Agent William Reiner, Jr. and Victim Specialist Kathleen Liner

Orange Volunteer Fire Department – special thanks to Chief Charles Gagel

Orange Emergency Management Director Fred Palmer

Orange CERT

Orange Public Works Department

Amity Regional School District

Racebrook School

Milford State’s Attorney’s Office – State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor and Inspector Peter Fearon

United States Attorney’s Office – Assistant United States Attorney Mike Gustafson

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and “Team Adam” personnel

Allingtown Fire Department – special thanks to Chief Peter Massaro

– special thanks to Chief Louis LaVecchia

– special thanks to Detective Rich Frawley

State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

West Haven Police Department

West Haven Fire Department

West Shore Fire Department

Woodbridge Police Department

Derby Police Department

S

North Haven Fire Department

Woodbridge Fire Department

Newtown Fire Department

Echo Hose Fire/ EMS

Storm Ambulance

American Medical Response

Yale New Haven Hospital

South Central Criminal Justice Administration

Bethany CERT

West Haven CERT

– special thanks to Michael Ulrich

University of New Haven Fire Science Club

– special thanks to the Smith and Morgan families

Mr. Kold Kuts

O

Fire Dogs of Woodbridge Catering

Mike’s Auto

New Haven Register

Costco

Antoinetta Cuozzo

Gidget Poulimas

Jenn Cooper

Lisa Barretta

Bernadette Louros

Joan Fearnley

Once again, thank you to all agencies and individuals involved.

 

Chief Robert J. Gagne

Orange Police Department


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.