Government

Police: Residential Burglaries Up in New Canaan in August

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New Canaan Police saw a sharp rise in residential burglaries last month, largely among homes left unattended during summer vacation, officials said Wednesday. Five residential burglaries were reported in August, according to data that Police Chief John DiFederico shared during the regular meeting of the Police Commission, held at the agency’s newly renovated headquarters and via videoconference. “The month of August was a tough month for us,” DiFederico said. 

He continued: “We average about one [burglary] a month, but the month of August was five. We had a rash going through grabbing ladders and hitting second-floor windows. This is probably a good wakeup call for residents that when you’re away for the summer months, please have somebody checking on your house regularly.

News

Op-Ed: Police, Schools Working on E-Bike Safety

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[John DiFederico is chief of the New Canaan Police Department.]

In response to complaints about local juveniles on e-bikes speeding, being reckless and nearly colliding with automobiles, and the increasing number of reports from across the country of life-threatening injuries from e-bike accidents, New Canaan Police continues to address the issue in our community. It has been about a year-and-a-half since our patrol officers and Community Impact Officer started working directly with the community to inform them about proper use of electric bicycles and scooters on our local streets. Our efforts have not let up. Our public relations campaign, which started in April 2024, continues in local news media, Town information outlets and social media. Further, we are now collaborating with New Canaan Public Schools where administrators are working with middle school students to develop a multi-media program to get the word out to youth e-bike riders about safe and proper use of e-bikes on our roads.

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‘An Exceptional Level of Commitment’: NCPD Honors Officers, Citizens

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[The NewCanaanite.com Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Karp Associates.]

The New Canaan Police Department honored 12 officers, two sergeants and two lieutenants in an awards ceremony, held Thursday morning inside the agency’s newly renovated headquarters. Town residents who helped in some incidents were also presented with awards. 

The Police Department gave out seven awards in total, including Unit Citation awards, Firearm Proficiency awards, Physical Fitness awards, Medical Awards, Meritorious Duty awards, the Civilian Award of Excellence, and the prestigious Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year Award. 

Lt. Jason Ferraro, Sgt. Thomas Callinan and Officers Jeffrey Pollock, Matthew Marzano, Robert Rizzitelli, Annamaria Ceci, Nicholas Rienzi and Mairee Castro were presented the Unit Citation awards, Police Chief John DiFederico said at the awards ceremony, held in the training room at NCPD. 

“I am pleased to acknowledge your exceptional work and efforts during the 3-11 shift on May 24, 2024,” he said. 

DiFederico referred to three incidents where the team aided a male who was going through a mental health crisis, dealt with a juvenile who threatened to harm another and handled a sensitive domestic incident with professionalism and care. 

“Your performance was a testament to your dedication to duty, your capability to work seamlessly as part of a team and your adept application of tactical training in real world scenarios,” the chief said. The department holds award ceremonies periodically for officers doing outstanding work. On Thursday, those in attendance included the families of those receiving awards, several police officers and First Selectman Dionna Carlson and Police Commission Chair Paul Foley.

Bill Walbert

‘A Symbol of Our Town’s Commitment to Public Safety’: Officials Cut Ribbon on Renovated Police Station

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More than 50 town officials and community members gathered at the entrance of the New Canaan Police Station on South Avenue on Wednesday morning to mark the re-opening of the renovated building. The updated station at 174 South Ave.—a $20 million project, $29 million with soft costs such as insurance and the temporary headquarters downtown—includes new office space, locker rooms, and much more. “The improved space enhances our ability to carry out daily operations, strengthen teamwork, and continue serving New Canaan with the highest standards of professionalism and care,” Police Chief John DiFederico said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on a sunny, breezy day. Those in attendance included First Selectman Dionna Carlson, Selectmen Steve Karl and Amy Murphy Carroll, Public Works Director Tiger Mann and Police Capt. Joseph Farenga. The chair of the Police Department Building Committee, Bill Walbert, opened the ceremony by expressing his pride and admiration for the new station.

John DiFederico

PHOTOS: New Canaan Police Station Renovation in Final Stages

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The renovation of the New Canaan Police Station on South Avenue is nearly complete, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 4. Several local officers said they view the years-long project as a success, telling NewCanaanite.com during a tour Tuesday of the department that they are very pleased with all the renovations. Police Chief John DiFederico said he was very happy with the modifications, describing the new building as “amazing.”

The renovated and expanded station at 174 South Ave.—a $20 million project, $29 million with soft costs such as insurance and the temporary headquarters downtown—includes all new office space, meeting rooms, locker rooms, systems and an extended sallyport at the back. During an afternoon tour that booked up quickly online, Police Commission Chair Paul Foley detailed the process of the long-lasting project. 

“We were trying to get the building renovated years ago because of things like mold, sewer fleas, and AC issues,” he said. “We patched it together over the years and had continuous meetings debating the best location and the best designs.”

He continued: “We must have looked at 20 locations around town and finally decided that the best option was a renovation.