2014.03.05 – Meridan, Ct – Forensic Science Examiner Jill Therriault pulls a handgun from a firing chamber after firing the weapon to retrieve it’s bullets to identify marks left by the guns barrel. Since December, 2012, with the appointment of a new director, Guy Vallaro, the Crime Lab has experienced a clear reduction in backlogged cases in and clear increases in efficiencies. Said Vallaro, “In addition, we’re acutely aware of the victims associated with all of these crimes and all of the case work that comes our way. And we understand that we impact their lives and it’s important to us that we return our analysis in a timely fashion so justice can come to them.” Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com