Middletown officials, residents pay tribute to longtime dispatcher Kathleen “Kate” Comer

The Common Council opened its meeting with a moment of silence for Kathleen “Kate” Comer, a Middletown police dispatcher who died after a recent illness. Mayor (name not specified) and the police chief both acknowledged her three decades of service.

Police Chief (name not specified) described Comer as “the matriarch” of the dispatch unit who worked primarily midnights and trained new supervisors and dispatchers. “She was definitely an asset to this community,” the chief said, adding that Comer was active in local institutions and would be remembered at services scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

Several aldermen and community members offered condolences. Alderman Massey said he had known Comer for decades and that she would be missed by her family and the department. Resident Paul Whit and others thanked public-safety personnel and volunteers for their service at recent community events; Alden Green and Alderman Ray also extended condolences and praised the July events and traffic-control work.

The council did not take legislative action related to the memorial; remarks closed with recognition of the department’s role and the scheduled funeral arrangements.