Two of New Canaan’s finest have been promoted within the Police Department, officials said Tuesday.
Sgt. Aaron LaTourette’s promotion to lieutenant recently was approved by the Police Commission in a special meeting and took effect Aug. 1, while Officer George Caponera’s promotion to sergeant will take effect Sept. 1, according to a press release issued by the New Canaan Police Department.
Lt. Aaron LaTourette
A police officer in New Canaan since 2000, LaTourette has served as Sergeant, Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Dispatcher, Firearms Instructor, Police Patrol Rifle Instructor, Special Response Team Executive Officer and Team Leader, the press release said. He also is a certified motorcycle officer and a member of the Honor Guard, it said.
“He is a member of the United States Marine Corp and was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2004 to 2005 in Iraq,” the department said in the release. “He is currently a Chief Warrant Officer 4, in the United States Marine Corp Reserves. Throughout his career, Lieutenant LaTourette has earned several awards including the Commissioners Physical Fitness Award, the Commissioners Firearms Award, The Perkin Award, MADDD awards, multiple Medical Service awards, Unit Citation awards, and was the recipient of the Stephen W. Wood Officer the Year Award in 2014. Lieutenant LaTourette is assigned to the Patrol Division.”
LaTourette—the first-ever recipient of the Stephen W. Wood Officer the Year Award—has earned recognition for saving lives on multiple occasions.
Sgt. George Caponera
Caponera has served with NCPDsince 2010, working as Patrol Officer, Dispatcher, Field Training Officer and Coordinator, and School Liaison Officer, the press release said. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.
He is consistently cited by fellow police and civilians in letters of appreciation, such as for providing medical services, collaborating with New Canaan EMS and participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut.
“Sergeant Caponera was awarded the 2015 Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year Award, a Traffic Hero Safety Award, two Mothers Against Drunk Driving Awards, three Physical Fitness Awards and a Life Saving award,” the department said. “Sergeant Caponera will be assigned to the Patrol Division.”
We are lucky to have such dedicated human beings serving our town. They lead by example.