At a ceremony in New Haven on Oct. 2, the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association named state state Sen. Thomas A. Colapietro their "Legislator of the Year" for his support of legislation designed to curb the theft of metal in Connecticut.

"Last year, we passed the first scrap metal bill," said Colapietro. "This year, we worked to strengthen that first bill by including other metal products that are at risk of becoming targets for thieves. I've worked to get this bill passed, and I'm very proud of the bipartisan work that the General Assembly has done to help stop metal theft. I'm honored to be recognized by the police chiefs, and I'm thankful for the support they provided on this bill."

"Members of both houses, on both sides of the aisle worked to solve crime and safety problems with this legislation," said Chief Anthony Salvatore and Chief James Strillaci, legislative co-chairmen for the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. "Senator Colapietro was especially willing to hear from the police point of view and work with us."

Public Act 08-298 requires scrap metal processors to record certain information for all loads of scrap metal purchased or received, including a description, the weight, the price paid for the load and the identification of the person who delivered the load.

It requires scrap metal processors, junk dealers or junkyard owners to immediately notify their municipal law enforcement of the name, if known, and motor vehicle license plate, if available, of any person offering to sell a bronze statue, plaque, historical marker, cannon, cannon ball, bell, lamp, lighting fixture, lamp post, architectural artifact or similar item.

It also prohibits scrap metal processors, junk dealers or junkyard owners from purchasing or receiving a stainless steel or aluminum alloy beer or other beverage keg container if the container is marked with an owner-identifying word, symbol or trademark.

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association is an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents of the state of Connecticut and to aiding other government bodies within and external to the state of Connecticut in the administration of justice, ensuring that all are treated equally before the law.

Colapietro is serving his eighth term in the State Senate. He represents the 31st District, which includes of the towns of Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, and portions of Harwinton.

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