Today is a painfully sad anniversary for Montville.
Ten years ago today, then 33-year-old Montville Police Officer Joseph N. Sachatello III was killed in an accident while he was responding to the scene of a Route 82 crash.
While attempting to negotiate a curve, Officer Sachatello lost control of his cruiser and ran off the right side of the roadway. The cruiser then struck a tree, killing Officer Sachatello on impact.
Investigators concluded that the frigid weather conditions and black-ice contributed to this accident.
"It was a traumatic event. It was an awakening event ...We live in a world where we think it can't happen to us, but it can and it does," said Sachatello's supervisor and friend, Sgt. Dennis Mathers. "We loved the guy."
Route 2A in Montville was designated the Officer Joseph N. Sachatello, III Memorial Highway.
Here is a memorial for Sachatello published in The Day today.
The Officer Down Memorial Page for Officer Sachatello includes many thoughtful comments and remembrances.
"He was probably the most polite, professional, respectful officer. He was a jolly guy, a fun guy, but he always was a real professional in dealing with (people)," Mather said. "We miss him. Never to be forgotten."
Officer Robin Salvatore remembered Sachatello as "an all around great guy."
"We do miss him. He was an excellent officer. He was a lot of fun to work with. He would have gone far (in law enforcement). And he loved his family so much; he was a real family man."
When asked how a department moves on after the death of an officer, Salvatore said while police officers "see a lot of horrific things" the death of a fellow cop is tough.
"It really resonates with you a lot more because it's one of your own."
Sachatello left behind his wife Lisa and his son Anthony. Salvatore said Lisa and Anthony are "a part of our family."
Montville Police Lt. Leonard Bunnell said Sachatello was a "compassionate" officer.
"Compassionate, helpful ...all the qualities you'd want and expect in a young officer," Bunnell said. "He is deeply missed. It's like it happened yesterday."
Please share your memories and thoughts about Officer Sachatello in the comments below.
