Hartford investigates truck donation to Jamaica

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Hartford police are investigating the donation of a city fire truck that was supposed to go a sister city in Jamaica but went instead to a different community on the Caribbean island.

The City Council voted in 2008 to send the 100-foot ladder truck to Hartford's sister city, Morant (MOHR'-ant) Bay, in southeastern Jamaica. But island officials decided its large size made it better suited to a suburb of the island's capital, where it remains in service.

The vehicle transfer was coordinated by a Hartford police officer, Jamaica-born Sgt. Andrew Lawrence, who is also president of the Caribbean Trade Council of Hartford.

The City Council president voted in January to send another truck to Morant Bay, but delivery is on hold while the investigation is under way.