New Haven Dispatcher Dies In Car Crash

NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Haven dispatcher has died following a one-car accident Thursday, according to a statement from police. Christopher Helland, 45, was a dispatcher in the city's 911 communication center known as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). For the past year, he served as a supervisor and as the department’s trainer.

The crash occurred at 12:30 a.m. on Grand Avenue near Maltby Place. It is believed that Helland, a Fair Haven resident, suffered a medical condition that resulted in the wreck.

The NHPD Accident Reconstruction Team is conducting the investigation.

Police said in a statement: "The PSAP Team, the New Haven Police Department, and the New Haven Fire Department would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and honor him with appreciation for his unwavering support and commitment to public safety."