Brothers and Sisters,

On August 11, 2017, Brookfield Lodge #31 Recording Secretary Pete Jellen, his 16 year old daughter Caitlin and her flight instructor took off from Danbury airport for a flying lesson. During the lesson something went wrong and the plane crashed at Candlelight Farms airfield in New Milford. The instructor was killed, Caitlin suffered critical life threatening injuries and was flown by Life star to Hartford Hospital and Pete was taken to Danbury hospital for his injuries. Several members of Lodge #31 and I have visited with Pete after his surgery. He is in good spirits considering what he has been though. His daughter has a long road to recovery due to the severity of her injuries. A special thanks to Brother Dave Dufault and members of Hartford FOP for you assistance. A gofundme site has been set up for the Jellen family to help with medical costs, hotel stays and anything else needed during the recovery process. The site is www.gofundme.com/caitlin-jellen-fund-sherman-ct. Please keep Pete and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Fraternally,
John Puglisi