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NCPD Officer Christopher Dewey Earns Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year Award

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Town officials last week honored an 11-year veteran of the New Canaan Police Department who has served in a number of roles and designed special training as its officer of the year. Officer Christopher Dewey during a ceremony at Town Hall on Thursday was awarded the 2023 Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year. In addition to police and municipal officials, the ceremony was attended by Wood’s wife, Pat, and daughter, Kimberly Wood LaTourette. The award “holds a special significance” for NCPD, Chief John DiFederico said, as it honors the memory of the late lieutenant, “affectionately known as “Woody’ by many of us.”

“Lt. Wood dedicated 33 years of his life to serving the New Canaan Police Department and the community,” DiFederico said at the ceremony, held in Town Hall. “This year we’re going to recognize Officer Christopher Dewey.

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

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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.