designed by architect Cass Gilbert. The Sanatorium opened in 1934 to treat patients suffering from tuberculosis by using heliotherapy, until 1958 when patients relocated to Uncas on the Thames and it later became a Geriatric Hospital, which opened in 1959–1961. In 1961, the Sanatorium opened to treat people with Developmental Disabilities, staying open until 1996. Emergency services Police department The Waterford Police Department has 47 officers on active duty. "The Waterford Police Department, commanded by Chief Marc Balestracci, also has a Board of Police Commissioners. The rest of the department consists of Lieutenants, Sergeants, Patrol Officers, K-9 Officers, Detectives, Traffic Officer, Evidence/Court Officer, School Resource Officers and civilian Community Service Officers." Crime According to 2012 statistics, the crime rate in Waterford is below average compared to most cities in the United States. Statistics The murder rate for Waterford is 5.1 per 100,000 with one murder occurring in 2012. 6 robberies occurred as well as 38 assaults. In 2012, 55 burglaries, 451 thefts and 9 auto thefts occurred. Fire service The Town of Waterford is protected by a combination volunteer and career fire service, consisting of five fire companies located throughout the town. Ambulance service Ambulance service for the town is provided by Waterford Ambulance. The Waterford Ambulance Service (WAS) is a non-profit ambulance service dedicated to providing high quality emergency medical care to the residents and visitors of the Town of Waterford, Connecticut and surrounding communities with emergency medical services and ambulance transportation in accordance with established Federal and State laws and regulations. Notable people Sara Juli, modern dancer and choreographer David Luria, Optometrist Jan Merrill, Olympic Runner, first American woman to run the mile finals. References External links Waterford Public Schools Waterford Public Library Waterford Police Department Waterford Ambulance Towns in New London County, Connecticut Towns in Connecticut Populated places on the Thames River (Connecticut) Populated coastal places in Connecticut