Troop B spruce-up tells public, ‘We’re here for you’

NORTH CANAAN — While its vintage neon sign continues to get a complete makeover, Troop B commander Lt. Bill Baldwin continues his crusade to spruce up the barracks and boost morale there.

The three-story brick building was built in the 1940s and includes a dormitory where state troopers used to sleep during  shifts that spanned several days in a row. 

Baldwin, who was a rookie trooper here 30 years ago, said the building and grounds should send a message to the community that this is a place where public safety is assured.

There has been some instability and anxiety surrounding the troop in recent years. First came rumors that the building would be closed down, following the transfer of dispatch services to Troop L in Litchfield. 

Then in September, former civilian dispatcher Brian Johnson was shot in his North Canaan home during a domestic dispute. Johnson worked at Troop B for 27 years before retiring in 2003 to care for his elderly parents.

In June 2013, Catherine “Cappy” Tatsapaugh, also a retired civilian dispatcher died unexpectedly.

She is remembered as “mom” by the troopers. She welcomed them to her North Canaan home and brought home-cooked meals to the barracks. She worked there for 22 years.

Two flowering fruit trees were recently planted at the barracks in honor of both Tatsapaugh and Johnson.

“It was the idea of Penny Terry, another retired dispatcher,” Baldwin said. “She and her husband bought the trees. Volunteers from the troop landscaped the two front corners of the building and planted them.”

There was also a ceremony at the new dispatch center, which was dedicated in memory of Johnson.

While Baldwin’s request to the state to pay for renovation of the “State Police, B” neon pole sign was denied, he believes it triggered an assessment of the grounds. A sign that marks the property with the State Police patch got a facelift, with a new decal applied last week.

The refurbished neon sign is expected to be completed and reinstalled this month.

“I am very grateful to Phil [Ghi] and Gary [Rovelto] at Ghi Sign for volunteering to redo the sign,” Baldwin said. “They are very professional and it’s going to look terrific.”

That effort is being done on an absolutely volunteer basis, despite word going around that Ghi Sign was charging for the work. They are collecting donations toward about $4,000 in costs, with any extra funding to be used toward work on the neon “State Police” sign over the front door, which is only half lit; and for the Toys for Tots program.

The finishing touch, for Baldwin, would be the removal of “Trooper Smurf.” The bright, blue call box was installed when the barracks was locked at night.

“We want it out, but the department says it’s keeping it up. We put a sign on it telling people to come inside and talk to a live person. That’s what we’re about.”