NCPD Officer Matt Blank Named ‘Lt. Stephen W. Wood Memorial 2026 Officer of the Year’ at Annual Ceremony

Created in 2014, the New Canaan Police Department’s Lt. Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year Award carries “special significance,” Chief John DiFederico said Thursday afternoon.

The award recognizes “not only excellence in policing,” DiFederico told about 30 people gathered in the training room at NCPD, “but also the enduring legacy of Lt. Stephen Wood, known fondly to many of us as ‘Woody.’ ”

“Lt. Wood served the New Canaan Police Department and this community with unwavering dedication for 33 years,” the chief said. “Throughout his career, he exemplified integrity, professionalism, compassion and commitment to public service. Those values continue to guide and shape our department today. This year, one officer stood out for truly embodying those same qualities, Officer Matt Blank.”

DiFederico spoke during the NCPD’s annual awards ceremony, held during National Police Week and recognizing outstanding officers for achievements in 2025.

A 10-year veteran of NCPD and school resource officer at Saxe Middle School, Blank “has become a trusted mentor, role model and resource for both students and staff,” DiFederico said.

“He consistently goes above and beyond to build positive relationships with young people and create a safe and supportive school environment. Through his partnership with New Canaan CARES, Officer Blank led several five-week leadership clubs involving more than 30 seventh- and eighth-grade students, helping to develop confidence, responsibility and leadership skills in our youth. In addition, Officer Blank taught more than 20 alcohol awareness and DUI prevention lessons to all eighth-grade health classes, as well as educational lessons on First and Fourth Amendment rights. His efforts have helped students better understand not only personal responsibility and safety, but also the importance of Constitutional rights and civic awareness.”

DiFederico added that Blank has served the nation for 13 years as a member of the Connecticut Army National Guard, “further demonstrating his dedication to both community and country” while assisting in Saxe’s Veterans Day presentation for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students “by bringing in three military veterans to share their experiences and sacrifices.”

The chief added that Blank has also” played a critical role” in the department’s drone program. 

“In 2025 alone, he piloted 12 drone missions, including three mutual aid responses involving missing persons investigations,” DiFederico said. “One particularly notable incident occurred on Dec. 2, 2025, when Officer Blank responded to assist the Stamford Police Department during a barricaded subject incident. Using his skills, he successfully maneuvered a drone inside the residence, providing tactical units with mission-critical intelligence regarding the suspect, possible explosives inside the residence and hazardous conditions within the structure. He also was able to identify a blocked staircase and ultimately locate the suspect in a back room, allowing the responding tactical personnel to safely and effectively plan their next steps. His calm, professionalism, and technical expertise during this dangerous and high-pressure situation were instrumental in the operation.”

Turning to Blank, DiFederico finished by saying: “Your professionalism, steady leadership, compassion, and selfless dedication to others reflect the very best of what this award represents. Your work has had a profound impact on this department, our schools, and the community we proudly serve. It is with great pride and gratitude that we recognize you as the recipient of the 2025 Stephen Wood Officer of the Year Award.”

With fellow command staff members Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh and Capt. Joseph Farenga standing by, DiFederico led the ceremony, which included the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for two NCPD members killed on the job: Chief Constable Louis Drucker, who died on January 25, 1888 after being shot in the chest by a bootlegger when responding to a complaint of illegal alcohol sales at a Seminary Street home, and Officer James Martin died on July 24, 1991, during a fierce storm, after coming in contact with a downed electrical wire while responding to a stranded motorist with trees down call on Valley Road.

Among the colleagues, friends and family of award recipients in attendance were First Selectman Dionna Carlson, Saxe Middle School Principal David Gusitsch and Kimberly Wood LaTourette, daughter of Lt. Stephen W. Wood and wife of award recipient Lt. Aaron LaTourette.

In receiving the award, Blank thanked the command staff as well as Lt. Marc DeFelice and Sgt. Michael Sullivan “for your guidance and leadership over the last four years.”

He continued: “To my parents, for always teaching me to give back and look out and be a helper. To my wife, for your unwavering support for every endeavor I take on. To my children, who keep me on my toes. To all my nieces and nephews, my brother, sister-in-law, my mother-in-law — everyone, thank you for your support. It means a lot. Most importantly, though, thank you to my brother and sister officers here. There are dozens of you that could be standing in my place. Every one of you is exceptional. Every one of you has taught me something, and I appreciate all of you from the bottom of my heart, so thank you very much.”

The department also issued a Unit Citation Award, Firearms Proficiency Awards and a Physical Fitness Award, as follows:

Firearms proficiency awards

Perkin Award: Officer Chris Dewey and Officer Rob Rizzitelli

DiFederico: “Each scored an impressive 397 and recorded 17 bullseyes, earning them the Perkin Award. And I believe this was the first time, that I can recall, that we had an actual tie that we had to award it to two people. Congratulations to all of you on these outstanding marksmanship achievements. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are truly commendable. Keep up the great work.” (Addressing New Canaan’s Rob Perkin, the sponsor of the award, DiFederico said: “I’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Perkin for continuing your family’s tradition, for your unwavering support over the years. Our officers look forward to participating in the Perkin Shoot each year as an opportunity to sharpen their firearm skills and continue a tradition that began decades ago. It is truly an honor to carry on this long-standing event. So thank you, sir.”

Commissioner’s Award: Lt. Aaron LaTourette and Officer Nicholas Rienzi

DiFederico: “This past year, we transitioned to a new handgun platform, and we saw a marked improvement in our marksmanships skills. And that’s a direct result of these men who committed themselves to finding a great platform for us to switch to, so they deserve a lot of credit for that. Lt. LaTourette and Officer Rienzi each achieved a perfect score of 400, earning the Commissioner’s Award.”

Physical Fitness Award: Officer Mairee Castro and Officer Bryan Connolly

DiFederico: “ Maintaining a high level of physical condition is an essential part of law enforcement, requiring dedication, discipline and perseverance both on- and off-duty … This year’s department fitness test challenged participants in several areas of physical performance. The test includes a 1.5-mile run or a stationary bike ride that’s comparable, bench press, agility course and a flexibility assessment. Successfully completing these events requires strength, endurance, speed, coordination and determination. Both officers performed exceptionally well. Their willingness to take on this challenge reflects the strong work ethic and commitment to excellence that we value throughout our agency… Your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of physical fitness not only benefits you personally, but also strengthens our department and community. Well done.”

Unit Citation Award: Lt. John Milligan, Sgt. George Caponera, Sgt. Peter Condos, Sgt. Daniel Gulino, Officer Mairee Castro, Officer Nicholas Falbo, Officer Erica Morey, Officer Carlos Prado and Officer Jake Somma

DiFederico: “On Oct. 24, 2025, members of the 3 to 11 [p.m.] shift responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a homicide. Upon arrival, officers were confronted with an extremely serious and rapidly evolving situation. They quickly located a victim, recovered a weapon and identified and secured the suspect, all while maintaining control of a highly volatile crime scene. Despite the difficult circumstances, Sgt. Caponera and Officers Morey and Prado immediately rendered aid to the victim, demonstrating compassion, professionalism and a steadfast commitment under tremendous pressure. Their actions reflect the very best qualities of law enforcement service. At the same time, Officer Somma and Officer Falbo worked diligently to search and secure the crime scene, ensuring that critical evidence was protected and that the scene remained safe and controlled for investigators. The suspect was safely taken into custody by Sgt. Gulino and Officer Prado. I would also like to recognize Sgt. Condos, a highly respected and exceptionally experienced investigator with our Detective Bureau. Although he was not on call that night, he responded to the scene without hesitation to assist his fellow officers. His expertise, leadership and years of investigative experience were invaluable in helping to manage the crime scene and guide the early stages of the investigation. This very serious incident required teamwork, composure, professionalism and exceptional police work from everyone involved. Each of you demonstrated the ability to perform under extraordinary pressure while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Your actions brought order to a chaotic situation. This commendation recognizes your professionalism during a critical incident and your ability to work together seamlessly.”

DiFederico noted that President John F. Kennedy created National Police Week in 1962.

“Established through a joint resolution of the United States Congress, the observance serves as a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication demonstrated by law enforcement officers across our nation,” he said. “It is a time for communities to recognize the men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty while protecting and serving others. National Police Week is also a time of reflection, a time to honor those who answered the call to serve with unwavering commitment, knowing the risks and sacrifices that come with wearing the badge. Every day, law enforcement officers place themselves in harm’s way to safeguard their communities, often under difficult and dangerous circumstances.”

DiFederico said of Drucker: “His sacrifice stands as one of the earliest examples of bravery and service within our department’s history. More than a hundred and thirty years later, his commitment and courage continue to be remembered and honored by this department and the community he served.”

The chief said of Martin: “His selfless actions in the face of danger exemplify the very essence of public service and the willingness of police officers to put the safety of others before their own.”

He continued: “Today, we honor the memories of Chief Constable Drucker and Officer Martin, not only for the circumstances of their sacrifices, but for the lives they lived, the service they provided, and the examples they set for future generations of officers. Their dedication and bravery remain a lasting part of the proud trad-tradition of the New Canaan Police Department. As we remember these fallen officers during National Police Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to never forget the sacrifices they made. May we continue to honor their legacy by serving our community with integrity, professionalism, courage, and compassion each and every day. Let’s take a moment to remember.”