NORTH CANAAN — Residents of the town of North Canaan gathered at Town Hall on April 26 for a special town meeting to vote on the future of their resident trooper. After a contentious discussion, the 55 residents in attendance voted 37 to 18 in favor of keeping the program for another year.
The special town meeting was called following a $30,000 increase in the resident trooper’s budget for North Canaan next year. Keeping the resident trooper would cost $158,000 in 2023-24, up from $128,000 in 2022-23.
Lieutenant Cori Swift and Trooper First Class Jeremy Ribadeneyra (current resident trooper in North Canaan) from the State Police Troop B barracks presented their case for why North Canaan should keep the program in place.
“North Canaan’s a very busy town. For instance, last year, 2022, we made 56 arrests in the town of North Canaan. Salisbury is twice the size and has more people. They made 18,” said Ribadeneyra. “Of all the towns in Troop B’s jurisdiction, the town of New Hartford is the only town that creates more case numbers.”
“There is a lot that goes on in this town behind the scenes that people don’t know about. Jeremy’s here in the middle of the night trying to catch drug dealers that are on the street,” said Swift. “Him being here is great. To me, it’s irreplaceable.”
Supporters and opponents aired their position and asked questions of the troopers.
“It’s a wonderful story but the bottom line is our taxes are through the roof and we’re paying now for this when the barracks is right down the street,” said resident Stacey Dodge.
“There’s much better ways the money can be spent,” said resident John Considine as he noted that the town could benefit from services like a grant writer or a town planner. “We’re a town of 3,400 people in a rural community. I don’t see it as a high-crime district.”
Resident Penny Terry, who worked in the barracks for 27 years, said, “Just because the building is there does not mean there’s anyone in it who’s going to be able to get from that building to our school in a matter of minutes.” She added, “This is the busiest town next to New Hartford. That’s the gospel truth.”
Towns rely on Troop B for local police services.
As the discussion heated up, moderator Brian Allyn slammed the gavel.
“This is getting out of hand. We’re going to vote,” said Allyn.
Second Selectman Craig Whiting called the question and the residents then voted by paper ballot. Once the ballots were tallied, Allyn announced that North Canaan would keep its resident trooper for another year.
“It’s a service to the town in an area where police resources are scarce as it is,” said Ribadeneyra after the hearing the result. “I’m glad the town is getting another year of it.”
North Canaan’s resident trooper Jeremy Ribadeneyra (in rear) answered questions from residents before they voted on whether to keep the resident trooper program in North Canaan during a special town meeting on April 26. Photo by Riley Klein
LJMN Media Board Chair Dan Dwyer, right, presents the 2025 Estabrook Community Leadership award to Bunny Williams, center, for her contribution to regional community organizations. Betsy Smith, left, chaired the Jubilee host committee.
Addressing more than 100 attendees, Brian Ross, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, underscored why Williams was chosen. “Bunny has always believed, as we do at our newspapers, that community matters, and that local matters,” he said.
Williams has spent decades bolstering local organizations. She helped launch Trade Secrets 25 years ago, turning it into a major fundraiser for Project Sage, the region’s domestic violence agency. She has hosted events for local libraries, supported the Falls Village Daycare Center and Music Mountain, and founded The Great County Mutt Show to benefit The Little Guild.
Board Chair Dan Dwyer urged attendees to follow Williams’ example. “Get informed, stay informed and get involved in your community to make it a little better than it was – that’s what Bunny has done,” he said.
In her tribute, Betsy Smith — a close friend of Williams and chair of the Jubilee — called the honoree honest, energetic and warm. “She’s the essence of being civic minded,” Smith said. “I could not be prouder to be in her orbit of friendship, warmth, commitment, and making our community a better place.”
Michael Trapp, left, and Hillary Cooper
Dwyer presented Williams with the award, which she immediately dedicated back to the community.
“What I learned is that the best part of this community – as beautiful as it is – is the people. I may have an idea, but it’s just an idea,” Williams said. “It is the effort and the commitment and the generosity of people who step up to the plate to make these events happen and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
James Clark, CEO/Publisher of The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News
Publisher James Clark congratulated Williams before highlighting the vital role of local journalism. “When you read The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News, you become more informed about what’s happening in your communities – and more connected to your community,” he said, adding his thanks to the attendees whose support helps the newspapers thrive.
John Coston, center, recently retired executive editor of The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News
