Statement from the First Selectman

Early this week an incident involving Deep River residents occurred on Main Street and High Street.  Make no mistake, an assault on an 11-year-old is unacceptable.   The alleged assailant has been arrested and the matter is being handled, as is appropriate, by the Connecticut State Police. 

The video recording that has been distributed has brought national attention to Deep River.  We are reminded, for the second time, that Deep River is not immune from the kinds of unpleasantness we prefer to associate with the outside world.  It is critical that we remind ourselves, and inform others, that the actions of the few individuals involved in two distinct and separate incidents do not represent the thinking of the vast majority of the people of Deep River.   Our town does not condone violence in any way and encourages dialogue as a means to a peaceful resolution.  Toward that end, the Town, together with the anti-defamation league and community leaders, is working to schedule a community forum and subsequent programs directed toward education, communication, and healing. 

The events of the last few weeks have brought to mind the words of Alexander Dumas: “Hatred is blind, anger is foolhardy, and he who pours out vengeance risks having to drink a bitter draft.” 

As the weeks progress let us act thoughtfully and deliberately toward a peaceful future.

Angus