This is the first awards ceremony that was held in over 15 years. Officers being honored on this page recieved various levels of recognition for their performance and actions in cases occurring over the last several years.
The following officers were recognized at the 2003 Awards ceremony.
See the details of the award following the list of officers.
Medal of Valor
Officer Brian A. Aselton
Lieutenant Curtis Stoldt
Citation for Bravery
Sergeant Frank Mormino
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Officer Maurice C. Barksdale
Officer Mark C. Estes
Officer James Lis
Officer Gerard L. Scagliola
Officer Dario A. Tarascio
Officer Robert A. Zulick
Distinguished Service Citation
Lieutenant Robert C. Sandberg
Sergeant Joseph DiMarco
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Sergeant Anthony T. Lupacchino
Sergeant Gerald A. Tomkiel
Officer John E. Miller
Officer Jon W. Stosuy
Officer Peter L. Vanek
Life Saving Citation
Lieutenant Stephen A. Nettleton
Sergeant Edward L. Perkins
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
Sergeant Kenneth E. Rosa
Officer Brian C. Fox
Officer Lawrence W. Henrickson
Officer James D. O’Connor
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Hardie M. Burgin
Officer Ian D. Allison
Officer Bruce G. Nease
Officer Paul G. Neves
Officer Jason R. Smola
Officer Peter L. Vanek
Officer Michael T. Weglarz
Letter of Commendation
Sergeant James E. Leonard
Officer Jason R. Smola
Military Veteran Citation
Chief Mark J. Sirois
Commander Robert F. Kenary
Commander Clifford Leonard
Lieutenant O. Michael Fowich
Lieutenant James H. Miller
Lieutenant Juan E. Rivera
Sergeant Hardie M. Burgin
Sergeant Dominique N. Corbett
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Sergeant Timothy J. Irwin
Sergeant Mark A. Kelly
Sergeant Edward L. Perkins
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
Detective Dennis J. Shea
Detective Ellen R. Stoldt
Officer Danielle Baumgardner
Officer Lawrence W. Henrickson
Officer Samuel A. Kelsey
Officer Jay T. Malley
Officer Paul M. Mangiafico
Officer Bruce G. Nease
Officer Tracy P. O’Connell
Officer Jeffrey R. Otis
Officer Frederick J. Paquette
Officer David W. Rhoades, Jr.
Officer Gerard L. Scagliola
Officer Philip M. Serkosky
Officer William D. Spragg
Officer John M. Zavalick
Officer Robert A. Zulick
AWARDS SYNOPSIS
Medal of Valor
Officer Brian A. Aselton
(Posthumously)
On the night of January 23rd, 1999 a 23-year-old male and his 29-year-old female accomplice knocked on the door to apartment 2 at 454 Main Street. As the door was opened the two forced their way inside and assaulted the resident. The victim was tied up and severely beaten in an effort to steal a large amount of cash the two believed to be in the apartment. Believing they may have killed the victim, the male and his accomplice fled the apartment taking the victim’s handgun with them.
East Hartford Patrolman Brian A. Aselton responded to a radio call for service regarding ‘a loud noise’ at 454 Main Street. Officer’s Aselton and Weglarz checked the entire perimeter of the building and could find no signs of criminal activity.
True to his diligent nature and to satisfy his investigatory needs, Officer Aselton entered the building to seek out his complainant, not realizing he was at risk of grave and imminent danger. After ascending the stairway, Officer Aselton was ambushed by the armed male who was now fleeing apartment 2. The suspect fired a single shot that struck and fatally wounded Officer Aselton as he moved into the hallway.
Brian’s life stands tall and proud as a monument to the best and brightest of those men and women who sacrifice their time, their families and sometimes their lives to serve and protect their communities. His memory will remain bright and youthful forever in the hearts of his fellow officers. For his valor, his courage and his selfless devotion to duty Officer Brian A. Aselton #251 is posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor.
Never Forget #251
Medal of Valor
Lieutenant Curtis Stoldt
On March 22, 1999 at 9:45 a.m., then East Hartford Police Detective Curtis Stoldt and Detective Art Bagnall, accompanied by a Hartford Police Officer, 111 South Street, Hartford in an attempt to service an arrest warrant. Detective Bagnall and other Hartford police officers maintained a perimeter around the exterior of 111 South Street while Detective Stoldt and the Hartford Officer entered the first floor apartment to search for the suspect. Without warning, the suspect emerged from behind a chair where he had been hiding and attacked both officers with a twelve-inch butcher knife in his hands.
Yelling for the suspect to drop his weapon, Detective Stoldt and the Hartford Officer attempted to maneuver away from him but were unsuccessful. Fearing for their lives, and having no other means to safely control the situation, the officers drew their service weapons and fired several shots, fatally wounding the suspect..
Therefore, the Medal of Valor was awarded to Lieutenant Stoldt for the exceptional circumstances and extremely hazardous conditions he faced, risking his life in the performance of duty. The act was of extraordinary nature, beyond the call of duty and exposed his life to extreme danger.
Lieutenant Stoldt had also received the Medal of Valor from the Hartford Police Department.
Citation For Bravery
Sergeant Frank Mormino
Officer Maurice C. Barksdale
Officer Gerard A. Scagliola
Officer Dario A. Tarascio
Awarded for your actions on April 7, 1994, when you placed yourself in a direct line of fire, regardless of the danger, to come to the aid of a fellow officer. This was an act of bravery, beyond the call of duty to perform a heroic and extraordinary action.
Citation for Bravery
Officer Mark C. Estes
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Bruce G. Nease
Officer Michael T. Weglarz
Citation for Bravery – Awarded for your actions on July 17, 1998, when you were fired upon by a suspect and, regardless of the danger, immediately alerted your fellow officers to protect the citizens of East Hartford. This was an act of bravery wherein your physical safety was perilously exposed to danger.
Meritorious Service Citation – Awarded for your actions on July 17, 1998, when a fellow officer was fired upon and regardless of the danger, you apprehended the suspect and located the handgun to assure the safety of your fellow officers and the citizens of East Hartford.
Citation for Bravery
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Awarded for your actions on April 27, 1998, when while working undercover, your physical safety was perilously exposed. A suspected narcotics dealer pointed a gun at you, threatening your life. Your calmness and professionalism during these extraordinary circumstances is recognized.
Citation for Bravery
Officer James Lis
Awarded for your actions on October 4, 1999, when, regardless of your personal safety, you chased a suspect armed with a gun that had fired shots at a citizen and fled the scene. You captured this suspect, exposing yourself to danger while performing an extraordinary and heroic action.
Citation for Bravery
Officer Robert A. Zulick
Awarded for your actions on December 25, 1997, when you responded to a home where shots had been fired and were faced with a man aiming a .45 caliber pistol at you. Recognizing that the gun was disarmed, you wrestled the weapon away. This was an extraordinary and heroic act, saving the life of another while facing grave personal danger.
Distinguished Service Citation
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Officer John E. Miller
Awarded for your actions on October 30, 2001, when a routine traffic stop uncovered robbery suspects with loaded weapons and led to the arrest of these suspects and the prevention of another crime. The diligence, perseverance and investigative skills used in this case resulted in the protection of life and prevention of a crime.
Distinguished Service Citation
Sergeant Anthony T. Lupacchino
Awarded for your calm, professional and successful negotiations with a despondent male with a loaded shotgun that went on for over 11 hours on July 4, 1993. The understanding, diligence and perseverance of your actions resulted in the protection of this man’s life.
Distinguished Service Citation
Lieutenant Robert C. Sandberg
Sergeant Joseph DiMarco
On July 25, 1991, a woman was unconscious and floating off the shore of Great River Park. Despite the cold waters and current, you were able to reach the woman and bring her to shore, beginning CPR immediately, reviving her. Your diligence, perseverance and heroic actions are recognized with the Distinguished Service Citation.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Jon W. Stosuy
Awarded for your actions on February 2, 1987 when a car ignoring traffics rules was heading towards children crossing at the Middle School. Without considering your personal safety, you placed yourself in the path of the car, pushing two children to safety, protecting the life of these children.
Distinguished Service Citation
Sergeant Gerald A. Tomkiel
Awarded for your actions on July 5, 2002, when you assisted Manchester Police Department after an attempted assault/robbery on the Bike Path abutting our Town. As a result of the crucial information you provided, your immediate response, your diligence and knowledge of our citizens, you were able to identify and arrest the individual suspected in this crime.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Peter L. Vanek
Letter of Commendation
Sergeant James E. Leonard
Distinguished Service Citation – Awarded for your actions on July 16, 1991 when a female reported being threatened by a man with a gun at Food Bag. You followed the suspect vehicle after he refused to stop engaging you in a pursuit. A felony stop was made and the suspects taken into custody. Seven handguns were found in the vehicle. Your diligence and hard work resulted in the prevention of further crimes.
Letter of Commendation – Letter of Commendation awarded for your investigation in the Food Bag incident which occurred on July 16, 1991 where a gun was used to threaten a female. Your efforts, interviews and the statements you took from witnesses and the suspects led to the recovery of an additional 65 stolen handguns.
Life Saving Citation
Officer Brian C. Fox
Officer James D. O’Connor
On November 9, 2002, you responded to a despondent seventeen-year old male who wished to commit suicide. With teamwork, compassion and caring, the young man was convinced to seek medical attention. Based upon your efforts, the life of this young man was saved.
Life Saving Citation
Sergeant Edward L. Perkins
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
Officer Lawrence W. Henrickson
Awarded for your actions on September 1, 1996, you responded to a large working fire at 126 Silver Lane. Despite the smoky conditions, you located and brought safely down three flights a 69 year old woman who could not leave her apartment without assistance. Based upon your efforts, the life of this woman was saved.
Life Saving Citation
Lieutenant Stephen A. Nettleton
On April 29, 1991 you responded to 35 Main Street for a man with a gun threatening to harm himself due to domestic problems. You used great patience and professional calmness to eventually lead to the man surrendering his weapon and agreeing to seek medical attention. You averted what could have been a tragedy and this man’s life was saved.
Life Saving Citation
Sergeant Kenneth E. Rosa
On October 5, 1993, you responded to a distraught male on the Founder Bridge. While the man was distracted, you grabbed him from the bridge railing, struggling to prevent him from harming himself. Based on these actions, the life of this man was saved.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Ian D. Allison
On June 3, 2001, while off duty, you witnessed a dispute at the Front Line Café in Hartford which led to shots being fired at the establishment. You and your brother confronted the suspect who threatened you. You assisted Hartford Police Department in their investigation and played an integral part in apprehending the suspect. You displayed courage and resourcefulness in apprehending a convicted felon.
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Hardie M. Burgin
Awarded for your actions on January 1, 1996 when a suspect in a string of robberies was fleeing on Ellington Road. You spotted the suspect, who engaged you in a pursuit which continued into Enfield where he crashed his vehicle. A foot chase ensued and after a struggle, you took the suspect into custody. Your actions resulted in the protection of life and property and prevention of further crimes.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Paul G. Neves
Awarded for your actions on June 29, 2001 when an unsupervised three year old child was on a second floor porch, standing on a chair, leaning over the railing in danger of falling. Your quick action and timely judgment avoided what could have been a tragic incident and acknowledges your actions in saving this child from danger.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Jason R. Smola
Awarded for your actions on July 18, 2001, when you responded to a robbery in progress at Cumberland Farms where a gun was used. You located the suspect vehicle and followed it onto I-291 and I-91, exiting the highway in Hartford where the pursuit continued. Eventually, the suspect crashed into a Hartford Police vehicle, where you pursued the operator on foot. Your diligence and quick thinking led to the arrest of two dangerous suspects and the prevention of further crime.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Peter L. Vanek
On December 2, 2001, while off duty and unarmed in a personal vehicle, a purse snatching/robbery attempt was made and the suspect tried to run the victim over. You followed the vehicle from Dunkin Donuts until he crashed his vehicle and then pursued him on foot until he was captured by you with other officer’s assistance. The suspect had a stolen vehicle and had been involved in a previous robbery at a West Hartford Dunkin Donuts. Your diligence and devotion are acknowledged with this citation.
Letter of Commendation
Officer Jason R. Smola
Awarded based upon your actions on January 28, 2002, when you came to the assistance of another officer pursuing a suspect who had fled during a motor vehicle stop. You located the suspect hiding under a vehicle and chased him further. A struggle ensued as you captured him, resulting in injuries to yourself. Your perseverance and good judgment during a stressful situation led to the capture of the suspect and a subsequent narcotics arrest.
Departmental Military Veteran Citation
Awarded in recognition of your past/present service as a member of the Armed Services of the United States of America.
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