EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Several East Hartford police officers gathered outside of town hall on Wednesday to advocate for better wages and benefits.

According to Juan Rivera, vice president of the police union, officers are in the middle of contract negotiations.

Rivera has been an East Hartford police officer for 19 years.

“Our contract currently is expired. We’re running off an expired contract as of July,” he said.

The goal of the rally was to raise awareness on what East Hartford officers are going through.

Rivera said they are one of the lowest paid departments in the state with low benefits.

As a result, they’re having recruitment issues. He said some employees are actually leaving to work in other towns that offer better packages.

“We’re just out here trying to get the c

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