In Waterbury, a city where firefighters are symbols of protection and trust, former Lieutenant Thomas Eccleston now faces serious legal consequences for threatening the very system he once served. Eccleston, who was terminated in 2018, had previously challenged the city in court, claiming discrimination linked to his use of medical marijuana for PTSD. That case was dismissed, leaving him to continue his appeal.
Authorities say that in the years following his dismissal, Eccleston repeatedly ignored warnings from the Waterbury Police Department regarding threatening communications. Officials describe a series of emails and phone calls in which he allegedly made explicit threats, including statements about harming police officers and targeting city officials.
Court documents detail alarming messages, including threats to “shoot a Waterbury police officer” and references to targeting political opponents in the city. Law enforcement characterized these communications as direct, persistent, and credible, noting that Eccleston possessed a firearm and expressed intent to use it.
Eccleston was arrested in California and transported back to Waterbury to face multiple charges, including threatening and harassing city officials. A bond of $400,000 was set pending further court proceedings.
The case raises serious questions about the intersection of personal grievance, political identity, and public safety. For Waterbury, it is a stark reminder of the potential consequences when trust between public servants and the community breaks down.
Eccleston’s appeal over his termination remains ongoing, a legal matter that continues alongside his current criminal proceedings.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
