25 years ago: Jack O’Brien, who served 26 and a half years as an Old Saybrook police officer, retired from his position at the time as sergeant. He had been a member of the force since 1959. O’Brien had said he felt ready for a change and decided to take advantage of new early retirement benefits. He was the fifth man hired as a patrolman after the fledging force had gotten under way in the 50s.
25 years ago: It was announced that two new fire trucks would be added to the fleet in Westbrook during 1986 if townspeople agreed to appropriate the necessary funds. That was according to the finance board for the town at the time, who agreed to recommend a town meeting for the purchase of the large rescue vehicle and the light-duty rescue truck. According to town treasurer Donald P. Morrison, the estimated cost was $180,000 with $218,000 in the fire apparatus sinking fund.