The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-12-10
(By the Out Easter)

The death of Albert Wilton, 8 sergeant of police, carries with it memories of the department for the past 30 years or so, for it was under the reign of the late Mayor William B. Hotchkiss that "Al" was selected as regular police man. Charles A. Templeton, Ed Hart and Major John M. Burrall were the commissioners of the Re- publican party credited with mak- ing the appointment. And the selection was always considered one of the best that particular board made. There were two Dem ocrats on that commission, but they used to always cry that all they ever got were crackers and cheese" We remember the board well, good and true men, and ones vitally interested in all of the po- lice of the day. They were most considerate in their action affect ing the men, as they should have been. and seldom would they do anything of a serious nature, no matter the charge. Their theory was "the police are all right, and we must protect them at all haz- ards"
 In his first days, after joining the regular department Al" was among those assigned to drive the police autos, being somewhat conversant with the cars of the &iV,oa Nt6ap <lr;uorc sr,avo tho 1ota Con" Kiersted and the present Lieut.. John Dunphy. Kiersted was the daredevil of the trio. A will- ing worker. and good fellow, Con" never wished to drive slow. He cut corners on the edge, but never once failed in his errand until the fatal drive to New Ha- ven one night when the car over turned and pinned him under it. That was the last of Con" Those with him escaped death but were seriously injured. Poor Con" Kiersted. Albert's death revived his memory. The city po- lice owned two cars, the regular patrol known as Gar A." while a passenger car, Columbia by make, we think, was known as Car B." This last auto was presented the department by the late Commis- sioner Truman s. Lewis. Cons" death caused an investigation of its usage by the Reeves board of public safety. It was claimed, but never actually proved, that mem bers of the board were in the habit of riding home in 1t during the night session. 1naSmuch as the car was a gift of commissioner of the Reeves board, the other commissioners held they had the right of usage any time they de- sired.
 Albert Wilton was eventually advanced to the position of ser- geant. Now the duties of a ser- geant of police are to report on the activities of the patrolmen of the post to which he is assigned. That Sergt. Wilton did faithfully. But he never filed a report detri- mental to the interest of any patrolman. Sergt. Wilton knew police work, and what was really expected of patrolman. He never questioned the word or statement of a man under him. He was not critical If he was not always able to find 8 patrolman at given point.
 I'm sorry. sergeant" explained a patrolman one night when the sergeant didn't meet him for an hour or two, T was on Blank street and didn't know you were on this street."
 "Why, you do not have to ex- plain that to me-" answered Sergt. Wilton. You have a long post; your duty is to travel these streets at will. It is our obligation to find you, not for you to look for us. Never look for me; if I want to see you. I'll find you in time"
 And that really is good police doctrine. We have that from the lips of 8 past commissioner who made the same statement to a sergeant once when he had pat1 DCAOAC C1lC UOuIQ Oll charges.
 This policeman was on his post, wasn't he." snapped the commis- sioner, when you found him?"
 ""Yes. he was"
 well then, he was on duty, and where he was supposed to be; we do not want you or any other sergeant to make dates for 8 meeting place."
 The accused patrolman was complimented and discharged. The sergeant in question had 8 red face in leaving the session.
 Albert Wilton was kind hearted and considerate in his ways; he never desired to make trouble for any one; he made 8 few arrests. but he performed his duty just the same. He settled many disputes without locking up people. And he adjusted various differences among the rank and file of the