Officer in fatal crash has been fired

Milford (WTNH) - The Police Board of Commissioners met Monday night and decided to terminate Milford Police Officer Jason Anderson and suspend Officer Richard Pisani after the tragic June 13th incident that took the lives of two teenagers.

Officer Anderson was involved in the accident, in Orange, that killed two 19-year olds, David Servin and Ashlie Krakowski, both of Orange.

Police say Anderson was driving above 90 miles an hour, returning from a mutual aid call in West Haven. He didn't have his emergency lights, or siren, on when the teens' car turned in front of him on Route 1.

Commissioners also reviewed the actions of a second officer, Richard Pisani, who was driving alongside Anderson that night; they have suspended him without pay for 30 days.

"After reviewing the information in the internal report, [we have] voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Officer Jason Anderson effective immediately," said Milford Police Chief Keith Mello. "By unanimous vote, they voted to suspend Officer Pisani for a period of 30 days. In addition, I've decided to extend Pisani's probation for 12 months."

The violation of the departments general orders are this:

• Since their lights were not flashing, they should follow all posted speed limits.
• Employees should not violate any law or department policy, rule, or procedure.
• And finally, employees should not engage in conduct that can discredit the police department.

Neither officer commented after the commission meeting, but the last thing Chief Mello pointed out was that his staff continues to protect, and serve, with compassion and honor.

"There are 111 police officers in this police department; they put their lives on the line everyday to protect others. And with rare exception, they perform honorably and admirably," Chief Mello said.