East Haven Police, Town Workers, Businesses Rally To Help Veteran

EAST HAVEN, CT — It began as a trespassing complaint. It ended with a Vietnam veteran and his therapy dog getting the help they need.

East Haven police Capt. Joseph Murgo said that Tuesday, police were summoned to the Quality Inn on Frontage Road for a complaint that a person didn't have the money to pay their bill.

When officers got there, they met Robert Chapin and his therapy dog named Lilly. Chapin told police that he is a Vietnam veteran who'd recently traveled from Texas to Connecticut to live with a woman "who promised him companionship." It turned out, Murgo said, that after giving her the last of his money, that he was a victim of a "terrible scam."

"Stranded and strapped for cash," Chapin sold his car to pay for a motel room, but once his money ran out, he found himself and all of his belongings at the Quality Inn without a way to pay for another night.

East Haven police Sgt. Joe Mulhern and officers Jon Trinh and Jack Messina "immediately stepped in to help," Murgo said.

After learning Chapin hadn’t eaten in several days, Chili's restaurant not only fed him then and there, but also prepared several meals for him to take, Murgo said. And, the Quality Inn agreed to let Chapin and Lilly stay for another night while officer Trinh kept at it through his shift to find shelter for the man and his dog. He was referred to the Columbus House Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. They work closely with La Quinta on Long Wharf in New Haven to house homeless veterans. After a screening process, Chapin and Lilly joined other veterans at La Quinta for a more permanent place to stay.

Then, the East Haven Public Works Department came to help and brought Chapin, his dog Lilly and all his belongings over to La Quinta.

"As an agency, we are so proud to have played a part in this happy ending," Murgo said, noting that the police department is "also extremely appreciative of the generosity shown" by the Quality Inn, Chili's Bar and Grill, La Quinta and the public works department.

"Far too often, veterans, the people who have selflessly put their lives on the line to secure our way of life find themselves in a position where they need our help as individuals and as a community. Because of many different factors, veterans often struggle with housing stability. Connecticut has made significant progress in the elimination of veteran homelessness but with the help of community members and businesses, even more progress can be made," Murgo said. "If you know a veteran struggling with homelessness, help is out there. You just have to know where to look."

And East Haven's director of administration Ray Baldwin sent a letter to East Haven Police Chief Ed Lennon.

"As a Vietnam Veteran and former police officer, I’m both thankful and proud that these officers are members of the East Haven Police Department," he wrote. "Please convey my sincerest thanks and congratulations to them for 'doing the right thing.'"

A good place to start is the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.

Murgo said Mr. Chapin "allowed us to share his story and his pictures with the public in an effort to bring light to this issue."