New Canaan Police on Tuesday recognized five officers during an awards ceremony.
L-R: Officer Bryan Connolly, Capt. John DiFederico, Chief Leon Krolikowski, Officer George Caponera, Pat Wood, Sgt. Kevin Casey, Officer Thomas Callinan and Capt. Vincent DeMaio at a Feb. 23, 2016 awards ceremony. Elizabeth Oei photo
The following citations are supplied by New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
“We are all very proud of these officers, their accomplishments and their devotion to Town and Department,” he said in a press release.
Officer Bryan Connolly—Meritorious Police Duty Award:
- On January 2, 2016 at approximately 1:47 AM, while on routine patrol, Officer Connolly observed a vehicle traveling that matched the description of a suspect vehicle wanted in connection with a series of larcenies from motor vehicles which had occurred in Darien in mid-December. Officer Connolly stopped the suspicious vehicle and found that the driver, Eric Williams, had a lengthy criminal record of burglaries and larcenies as well three outstanding arrest warrants for violation of probation. Williams was taken into custody and transported to court the following day. Williams has victimized New Canaan in the past and was arrested for a series of over a dozen vehicle larcenies.
New Canaan Police Officer Bryan Connolly (foreground, left) received the Meritorious Police Duty Award during a Feb. 23, 2016 ceremony. Standing in background are Sgt. Aaron LaTourette (L) and Police Chief Leon Krolikowski. Capt. Vincent DeMaio at podium. Elizabeth Oei photo
Sgt. Kevin Casey, Officer Geoffrey Lambert, Officer Thomas Callinan—Medical Service Award:
- This award is presented to an officer for an act performed in the line of duty which results in saving a life. On November 8, 2015 at 7:41 AM these officers were sent to a residence in New Canaan due to a life-threatening medical emergency. Arriving at the residence in minutes, these officers relied on their training, worked as a team, performed cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and used a defibrillator. The patient survived as a direct result of these officers’ efforts.
New Canaan Police Officer George Caponera (L) receives the Lt. Steven. W. Wood Memorial 2015 Officer of the Year Award. Pat Wood, widow of the 33-year NCPD veteran, stands with Caponera. Police Chief Leon Krolikowski at right. Elizabeth Oei photo
Officer George Caponera—Lt. Steven. W. Wood Memorial 2015 Officer of the Year Award:
- Officer Caponera’s nomination and selection for this award is the result of his self-initiative, his service to the New Canaan Community, his integrity and his selfless service to our Department and Town. More specifically, in 2015 Officer Caponera initiated 500 motor vehicle stops, made many drug arrests, successfully investigated many incidents, volunteered at many youth events, and showed the dedication to duty that this award demands.