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.
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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.
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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
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