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

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.

Two New Canaan Police Officers Promoted 

Town officials last week promoted two longtime members of the New Canaan Police Department. 

The Police Commission during a special meeting April 21 promoted Sgt. Joseph Farenga to lieutenant, and on April 23 promoted Officer Michael O’Sullivan to sergeant, according to Chief Leon Krolikowski. “We are thrilled to have Lt. Farenga and Sgt. O’Sullivan join our leadership team,” Krolikowski told NewCanaanite.com. “Both of these veteran department members will help us lead our department into the future as we all continue to selflessly protect and serve our community.”

Farenga is a 20-year veteran of the department whose past roles include youth sergeant, supervisor of the Motor Enforcement Program, human trafficking instructor and A.L.I.C.E. instructor.

‘Thanks for Handling This So Well’: Letters of Appreciation for New Canaan Police 

The following letters of appreciation for New Canaan Police Department officers were made public during the Jan. 16 meeting of the Police Commission, by Chief Leon Krolikowski. ***

Officer Roberto Lopez

“Wanted to make you aware of the one of the New Canaan Police Department’s ‘awesome’ officers! “Officer Lopez was incredible this evening. “We hadn’t an older woman who shoplifted at Mobil and she is always in our store daily.

New Canaan Police Honor 11 at Awards Ceremony

The New Canaan Police Department on Tuesday honored six officers, four sergeants and one lieutenant in an awards ceremony in New Canaan High School’s Wagner Room. NCPD honored 11 members of the police force at an awards ceremony Tuesday night. Pictured is Capt. Andrew Walsh with Sgt. Brian Mitchell, who received the Meritorious Police Duty Award.Police Chief Leon Krolikowski presented the Lt. Stephen W Wood Officer of the Year Award to Officer Thomas Callinan. Krolikowski cited Callinan’s “self-initiative, service to the New Canaan Community, integrity and selfless service to our Department and Town” in presenting the award.