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Politics & Government

"Traffic Light Ahead" Signs Recommended for Intersection

Windsor Locks police commission agrees that signs should be posted at the approaches to the traffic light at Spring and West streets, the intersection where 15-year-old Henry Dang was killed.

The Windsor Locks Police Commission on Wednesday discussed potential changes to the traffic light at the site of an October 2010 fatal accident.

Fifteen-year-old was struck and killed at the intersection. Former Windsor Locks police officer , 24 of Suffield, has been charged with first-degree manslaughter in the accident.

Police officials reviewed the accidents occurring at the intersection of Spring and West streets and ultimately found that none were a result of violations at the traffic light.

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After consulting with the state Department of Transportation, the commissioners agreed with the recommendation to keep the traffic light pattern as it currently in place, with the addition of “Traffic Light Ahead” signs in all four directions.

Any majors change in the operation of the traffic light would require an engineering study.

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Town resident Michael Bracken applauded the decision, but noted care should be taken with the placement, “when it comes to the placement of the sign, you've got to think about the homeowner's value there.”

Commissioners also voted to send a letter to the police officers of Windsor Locks offering them their support during this challenging time. They noted that the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident widely reported in the news has adversely affected the morale of the department as a whole.

“Most of the officers in the department had nothing to do with this, but with all this publicity...it is easy to see that everyone is paying the price,” Chairman Neal Cunningham said.

Cunningham wanted to make sure members of the police department know they have the full confidence of the commission.

The independent investigation report into the accident is still pending.

In addition, the commission voted to renew their application to the federal government for funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. Any funds received from the program would go towards personnel, and not equipment or materials.

This is the third year Windsor Locks has participated in the program.

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