News

Christopher Dewey Named Lt. Stephen W. Wood Memorial 2023 Officer of the Year

By |

An 11-year veteran of the New Canaan Police Department has been selected as the Lt. Stephen W. Wood Memorial 2023 Officer of the Year, officials say. Officer Christopher Dewey, a patrol division member who serves as assistant executive officer of the department’s Special Response Team, is “an invaluable asset to our officers,” according to a press release issued by NCPD. “His proactive utilization of these certifications, through the implementation of targeted training scenarios and exercises for our patrol officers, has significantly contributed to the enhancement of our department’s capabilities Officer Dewey consistently represents the department with dignity and respect, and takes an active role in our Honor Guard,” it said. Dewey is a field training officer and certified instructor in firearms, according to the press release. 

Created in 2014 and with Wood’s own son-in-law, Lt. Aaron LaTourette, as its inaugural recipient, the Officer of the Year Award honors and memorializes the late Wood “who was taken from us far too young,” the NCPD release said. 

“Nomination and selection for this award is the result of exceptional work, integrity, and overall service to our town and department,” the press release said. Dewey will receive the award at the department’s Annual Awards Ceremony in the spring.

Business

Local Bar and Restaurant Seeks to Amend P&Z Permit

By |

The Planning & Zoning Commission is set to weigh an application from a popular bar and restaurant downtown to amend its special permit. The White Buffalo, a cozy pub located down an alley on Elm Street next to Barvida, is seeking permission to use a courtyard outside its doors for dining and entertainment, according to a written request submitted on behalf of the eatery by one of its co-owners. “We have strived to provide a casual dining atmosphere in line with new Canaanites’ expectations and preferences,” Dave Tonkovich said in his request, received July 13 by P&Z. 

“The use of the courtyard outside of the White Buffalo has allowed us to provide a family-friendly environment for New Canaanites to dine alfresco,” he said. “The tables in the courtyard have been put up and taken down every day and there has not been any new structures added to the courtyard that are permanent. The courtyard is private property (owned by Fiona Sigg).

Annamaria Ceci

‘We Are Thankful for You’: Letters of Appreciation for New Canaan Police

By |

Police Chief John DiFederico presented the following letters of appreciation during the June 21 Police Commission meeting. ***

Lt. Carol Ogrinc, Officer Matthew Marzano and Officer Jeffrey Pollock

“Thank you so much for helping this panicked mom get her son out of his knotted seatbelt! I am so grateful for you and the NCPD! You are all amazing and we are thankful for you! Please enjoy these cookies!”

—Sherryl Mascarinas (June 15)

***

Officer Annamaria Ceci and Officer Kelly Coughlin

“Dear Chief DiFederico, Thank you very much for the Civilian Police Academy.

News

Podcast: NCPD Community Impact Officer Annamaria Ceci

By |

This week on 0684-Radi0, our free podcast (subscribe here in the iTunes Store), we talk to New Canaan Police Officer Annamaria Ceci—known to locals simply as ‘Ceci’—who has taken over the role of Community Impact Officer for the department. In the role, Ceci is assigned to downtown New Canaan. She can be reached at 203-989-6050 and annamaria.ceci@newcanaanct.gov. 

Here are recent episodes: