Police Looking for Information on 1989 Death of Westporter found Burned on Main Street
Contributed photo of Joan M. Werktin.Westport Police Department:
On May 24, 1989 at approximately 11:00 pm, officers and fire personnel were dispatched to a report of a fire in the rear of the 337 Main Street shopping plaza. Arriving first responders observed a female body had been burned at that location near the wood line. Shortly thereafter, the deceased’s husband contacted police to report her missing.
The deceased, Joan M. Werktin, then age 38, of Westport, had allegedly left her residence earlier that evening to go grocery shopping, but never returned home. Her vehicle, a white 1988 BMW 325, was located parked in the front of the shopping plaza. Joan Wertkin was a petite white female with long dark hair and a thin build. On the night of her death, she was reportedly wearing a dark colored running suit made of velour type material. Investigators do not believe she drove herself to the Main Street location.
The murder of Joan Wertkin is an active investigation and is being evaluated with advanced techniques. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant Jillian Cabana and Detective Philip Restieri at (203) 520-3831 or coldcasetips@westportct.gov.
Police Looking for 2 Women in Connection with Downtown Shoplifting
Westport Police Department: The Westport Police are attempting to identify the two pictured females. We would like to speak with them about a shoplifting incident that occurred on Main Street on October 10, 2022, at around 1:40 p.m.
If anyone recognizes either female, please call Det. Jon Lauria at 203-341-6017.
“The Unit”: Westport Officers to Fight Traffic Issues after Community Outcry for Enforcement
The Westport Police Department announced today that it will be establishing a Traffic Safety Unit (the “Unit”) in early October. The Unit’s sole focus will be to mitigate the traffic related issues affecting the Westport community. This will include targeted motor vehicle enforcement on our area roadways with an emphasis on aggressive and distracted driving. Additionally, the officers in the Unit will host educational programs and forums where members of the community can meet with the Unit officers to share their concerns.
Over the past several months, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker organized a series of meetings where citizens were invited to meet with representatives from the Police, Fire, Public Works, and P&Z Departments to voice their traffic related issues and concerns. Ms. Tooker said, “Clearly, poor driving habits have become a major quality of life issue for our residents. So, Police Chief Koskinas and I are committed to making our roadways safer for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The newly created Traffic Safety Unit is a vital step in accomplishing that goal.”
Police Chief Koskinas stated, “traffic safety has always been one of the police department’s top priorities and it is my belief that the new Traffic Safety Unit will have a positive effect on altering drivers’ behaviors.”
The Traffic Safety Unit will be comprised of two police officers – Scott Thompson and Dominique Carr. Officer Thompson joined the department in July of 2017. Prior to coming to Westport, he was an officer in Trumbull for thirty years. During his tenure with the Trumbull Police, Officer Thompson spent over sixteen years in its Traffic Unit. He is a certified motorcycle officer and is on Westport’s Accident Investigation Team. Officer Carr joined the department in November of 2020. Prior to coming to Westport, he spent two years with the Windsor Police Department. Officer Carr is a certified motorcycle officer.
Promoting safe and responsible driving is of the utmost importance to the Westport Police Department, so we ask the motoring public to do their part. Please drive carefully and obey all traffic laws.
Westport Police, EMS Mourn Death of Longtime EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake
Press Release
The Westport Police Department and Emergency Medical Services are mourning the death of EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake. Crew Chief Blake passed away on Tuesday, September 20.
Crew Chief Blake was hired in May of 1990 and had a long and rewarding career serving the Westport community. He was a representative for the Southwest EMS Council for over ten years and was most recently the organization’s president. Also, Crew Chief Blake was a certified child safety seat instructor and helped organize numerous car safety seat clinics throughout Fairfield County.
In addition to dutifully serving the town of Westport, Crew Chief Blake was a volunteer with Weston’s fire department and emergency medical services for over thirty years. During his tenure he served as the department’s vice president and obtained the rank of lieutenant. Even in his off time, he wanted to serve.
Those who knew Crew Chief Blake quickly realized that his passion was to help anyway he could. Whether it be organizing a child safety seat clinic, treating a sick patient, or helping at the scene of a fire in Weston, Crew Chief Blake was there. His dedication and passion will most certainly be missed.
Deputy Chief Sam Arciola who oversees Westport EMS said that “Mark was an incredibly dedicated public servant as well as a widely respected EMT and he never hesitated to put the needs of others above his own.” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Crew Chief Blake. On behalf of the Town, I want to extend my condolences to his friends and family as well as express how appreciative the town is for all his years helping our community.”
For details regarding services please follow this link: https://www.hardingfuneral.com/obituaries/Mark-A.-Blake?obId=25922840#/celebrationWall