Town officials last week honored an 11-year veteran of the New Canaan Police Department who has served in a number of roles and designed special training as its officer of the year.
L-R: Kimberly Wood LaTourette, Officer Chris Dewey and Pat Wood on May 9, 2024. Credit: Michael Dinan
Officer Christopher Dewey during a ceremony at Town Hall on Thursday was awarded the 2023 Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year. In addition to police and municipal officials, the ceremony was attended by Wood’s wife, Pat, and daughter, Kimberly Wood LaTourette.
The award “holds a special significance” for NCPD, Chief John DiFederico said, as it honors the memory of the late lieutenant, “affectionately known as “Woody’ by many of us.”
“Lt. Wood dedicated 33 years of his life to serving the New Canaan Police Department and the community,” DiFederico said at the ceremony, held in Town Hall. “This year we’re going to recognize Officer Christopher Dewey. He’s been a member of the department for 11 years. He’s a firearms instructor with us, defensive tactics instructor, he’s a member of the SRT, he’s a field training officer, a member of the Honor Guard—somebody that I think Woody would admire and appreciate as a member of the department.”
More than 30 police officers and their family members joined First Selectman Dionna Carlson and Police Commission Chair Paul Foley in attending the ceremony, led by DiFederico and followed by refreshments in the Town Hall Meeting Room. In addition to the Officer of the Year Award, DiFederico issued a Unit Citation award and marksmanship and physical fitness awards (see below).
In 2023, the chief said, Dewey “demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to his duties.”
“He willingly took on numerous responsibilities and tackled them with unwavering dedication, resulting in outstanding achievements,” the chief said. “His firearms and defensive tactic instructor certifications in various areas of law enforcement proved to be immensely beneficial to our department. Officer Dewey utilized these certifications effectively by designing and implementing specific training scenarios and exercises for our patrol officers, enhancing their skills and readiness. His leadership and strong organizational skills were called upon during our move to Locust Avenue towards the end of 2023. Officer Dewey ensured that all of our valuable and secure items such as firearms, ammunition, and SRT gear was moved and stored safely at the new building. And despite the enormity of the task, Officer Dewey approached it with meticulous care and efficiency, ensuring that everything was handled smoothly.”
Those accomplishments, coupled with Dewey’s “exemplary character”—one of “dedication, leadership, and professionalism”— “reflect the values upheld by Lt. Wood and embody the highest standards of service within our department,” DiFederico said.
Unit Citation
L-R: Lt. David Payne, Officer Christopher Dewey and Officer Matthew Marzano receiving a Unit Citation Award on May 9, 2024. Not present: Sgt. Michael O’Sullivan, Sgt. Roberto Lopez and Officer Jeffrey Pollock. Credit: Michael Dinan
DiFederico issued a Unit Citation Award to Lt. David Payne, Sgt. Michael O’Sullivan, Sgt. Roberto Lopez, Officer Jeffrey Pollock, Officer Matthew Marzano and Officer Christopher Dewey. It pertained to a incident from Nov. 29 that “exemplifies the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work and the swift transitions that can occur during routine calls,” the chief said.
“Officer Pollock received a call at our Dispatch Center reporting two individuals who were unresponsive due to a possible drug overdose in a vehicle,” he said. “This call escalated into a situation involving dangerous weapons and drugs. Lt. Payne, Sgt. Lopez, Officer Marzano, and Officer Dewey responded from the shift and Sgt. O’Sullivan responded from a nearby extra-duty job that he has been assigned to for the day. Sgt. O’Sullivan arrived first, and was able to rouse the two individuals. A thorough search of the vehicle was conducted after Sgt. Lopez determined from the passenger that the driver had a firearm in the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia was discovered in the vehicle along with a fully loaded 9mm handgun, with a round in the chamber discovered during a search of the car. There was also a stun gun, a spring assisted folding knife and brass knuckles were also discovered.”
The driver was brought up on weapons and drug charges, as well as two counts of criminal possession of a firearm/munition/defensive weapon by a convicted felon.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance and adaptability required of law enforcement officers,” DiFederico said. “We never know what we’re going to come across. Like I said, Sgt. O’Sullivan was just working a side job that day and responded and had to be able to act quickly to assist the shift. They must approach each situation with caution and awareness, understanding that circumstances can rapidly evolve, as demonstrated in this case. The officers involved demonstrated commendable professionalism and bravery in navigating a potentially perilous situation, ultimately ensuring the safety of both themselves and our community.”
Marksmanship
L-R: Rob Perkin with NCPD Capt. Joseph Farenga and Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh on May 9, 2024. Credit: Michael Dinan
Lt. Aaron LaTourette was awarded the Commissioners’ Shoot Award and Sgt. Roberto Lopez the Perkin Award.
DiFederico said that each fall NCPD officers “participate in shooting and training and have the opportunity to test their shooting skills. In the fall of 2023, the annual Handgun Qualification and Perkin Shoot Competition was held at the Blue Ridge Trails in Wallingford.”
He continued: “Lt. LaTourette scored a 398 out of 400 and won the Commissioners’ Shoot for his marksmanship and Sgt. Lopez scored a 396 out of 400 and won the Perkin Award. So his name will be inscribed on a bowl that we have at the Police Department that dates back to 1961.”
Kimberly Wood LaTourette accepted the plaque on behalf of her husband, who was unable to attend.
DiFederico also thanked Rob Perkin for “continuing your family’s tradition and for all your support over the years.”
Perkin said, “My father would certainly be very proud that’s being done at headquarters for the community of New Canaan.”
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Physical fitness
L-R: NCPD Chief John DiFederico presents Sgt. George Caponera (Chiefs’ Award of Excellence) and Officer Shane Gibson (Commissioners’ Physical Fitness Award for 2023) on May 9, 2024. Credit: Michael Dinan
Sgt. George Caponera received the Chiefs’ Award of Excellence and Officer Shane Gibson received the Commissioners’ Physical Fitness Award for 2023.
DiFederico said, “In addition to our officers testing their marksmanship each year, they also have the opportunity to test their physical fitness.
This year Sgt. Caponera and Officer Gibson participated in our physical fitness test which consists of a one-and-one-half mile run, bench press, agility course and a flexibility test.”