Heartbreaking Bullying Case In Branford: Report

BRANFORD, CT — For more than three decades, Ronald Mullen spent his life working to help Branford residents as a longtime member of the fire department. He died on Oct. 14, 2015. Mullen, a longtime deputy fire chief, was killed after being struck by a train near the Branford station.

Mullen left behind his wife, Alicia, and their child, Cash. According to an in-depth report by WTNH News 8, the unthinkable happened since Mullen’s death.

Cash Mullen, who was just 8 years old at the time of his father’s death, has been bullied, and it has only increased since Mullen’s death. Alicia Mullen told News 8 her son has been bullied while attending Mary Tisko School. (To sign up for Branford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Mullen told News 8, “kids started last year with saying things like you should go jump in front of a train like your dad. You should kill yourself.”

Students also tell Cash other hurtful things, including asking him if he likes trains, and some even tell him he should go do what his dad did, News 8 reports. The bullying has continued onto the lacrosse field and on social media, Alicia Mullen told News 8. Students will post videos on social media of people being hit by a train, Cash’s mother said.

In a statement, the Branford Public Schools told News 8 that it has zero tolerance for bullying of any kind, and they will always diligently investigate all claims. School officials say current federal laws do not allow them to elaborate on a specific student’s case, though.

Patch is seeking a statement from local school officials.

To read and watch WTNH News 8’s full report on this story please click here.

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