The following officers were recognized at the 2005 Awards ceremony.
See the details of the award following the list of officers.
Citation for Bravery
Sergeant Joseph DiMarco
Sergeant Edward L. Perkins
Sergeant. Steven M. Syme
Officer John J. Dupont
Officer Stephen C. Grossi
Officer Tara D. Hewins
Officer Richard B. Rohner
Officer Nathan R. Stebbins
Distinguished Service Citation
HPD Officer Michael A. Allen
HPD Detective Jeff K. Antuna
Lieutenant Curtis A. Stoldt
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Sergeant Mark A. Kelly
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
Officer Matthew J. Parlapiano
Officer Maurice C. Barksdale
Officer Paul S. Buchanan
Officer Marc J. Caruso
Officer Anthony J. Piacenta
Officer Samuel A. Kelsey
Officer Robert M. Kornfeld
Officer Keith N. Ledoux
Officer Michael J. Morelli
Officer Donald G. Olson
Officer James D. O’Connor (2)
Officer Richard B. Rohner
Officer Michael P. Romano
Officer Javier Rosario
Officer Patrick C. Sullivan
Officer John M. Zavalick
Life Saving Citation
Sergeant Timothy A. Juergens
Officer Paul S. Buchanan (2)
Officer Robert S. Jones
Officer Samuel A. Kelsey
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Kenneth C. Combs
Sergeant Christopher A. Connolly
Sergeant Dominique N. Corbett
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
Detective Ellen R. Stoldt (2)
Officer Robert A. Backus
Officer Thomas V. Castagna
Officer Raymond E. Cheverier
Officer Jason S. Cohen
Officer Darrell M. Drouin
Officer John J. Dupont
Officer Mark C. Estes
Officer Brian C. Fox
Officer Stephen C, Grossi
Officer Lawrence W. Henrickson
Officer Tara D. Hewins
Officer Brian J. Jolda
Officer Keith N. Ledoux
Officer Michael J. Lizotte
Officer Todd M. Mona
Officer Tracy P. O’Connell
Officer Anthony J. Piacenta
Officer David W. Rhoades, Jr.
Officer Michael P. Romano
Officer Sawyer A. Shaw (2)
Officer Daniel E. Zaleski
Letter of Commendation
Sergeant James E. Leonard
Officer Sandor T. Binkley
Officer Paul S. Buchanan
Officer Raymond Cheverier
Officer Jason S. Cohen
Officer Jeffrey J. Cutler
Officer Tara D. Hewins
Officer Paul M. Mangiafico
Officer Todd M. Mona
Officer Michael J. Morelli
Officer Paul G. Neves
Officer James D. O’Connor
Officer Matthew J. Parlapiano
Officer Jeffrey A. Rodick
Officer Michael P. Romano
Officer Peter D. Slocum
Officer Ricardo Soto
Officer John M. Zavalick
Military Service Citation
Officer Sandor T. Binkley
Officer Jeffrey J. Cutler
Award Synopsis
Citation for Bravery
Sergeant Steven M. Syme
Officer John J. Dupont
Officer Stephen C. Grossi
Officer Nathan R. Stebbins
Distinguished Service
Officer Patrick C. Sullivan
Meritorious Service
Officer Brian J. Jolda
Officer Daniel E. Zaleski
Letter of Commendation
Officer Jason S. Cohen
Officer Jeffrey J. Cutler
Bravery – Awarded for your actions on May 24, 2004, when you responded to Cannon Road to a rapidly evolving, potentially dangerous situation involving an armed suspect. As part of the “entry team, you risked your personal safety to ensure the safety of three children thought to be in harm’s way and rescued a shooting victim.
Distinguished – Awarded for your actions when you were the first to arrive at a possible shooting on Cannon Road. This potentially dangerous situation involving an armed suspect, a shooting victim and the possibility that children were in the house was brought to a safe conclusion because of your diligent actions on that day.
Meritorious – Awarded for your actions when you responded to a possible shooting on Cannon Road. This potentially dangerous situation involved an armed suspect, a shooting victim and the possibility that children were in the home. This case was brought to a safe and rapid conclusion due to your actions on that day.
Letter of Commendation – Awarded for your actions when you responded to this potentially dangerous situation involved an armed suspect, a shooting victim and the possibility that children were in the home. This case was brought to a safe and rapid conclusion due to your actions on that day.
Citation for Bravery
Sergeant Joseph DiMarco
Distinguished Service
Sergeant Todd T. Hanlon
Officer Michael J. Morelli
Awarded for your actions on August 14, 1995, when you responded to a bank robbery involving a firearm at the Fleet Bank on Ellington Road. You responded to the suspect’s home and found him hiding in a closet with a sawed off shotgun, which you were able to grab away from the suspect. You placed your personal safety at risk in capturing this armed suspect in a dangerous situation.
Citation for Bravery
Officer Tara D. Hewins
Awarded for your actions on April 16, 2004 when you responded to a dispute on Tolland Street to find yourself confronting 3 males, one armed with a knife. You prevented further injury or possible death to the victim while exposing yourself to grave danger and physical harm. Your bravery and diligent efforts are recognized.
Citation for Bravery
Sergeant Edward L. Perkins
For your actions in the summer of 1985 when you were confronted with an emotionally disturbed man armed with a loaded rifle at an apartment complex on Chapman Street. Your bravery, perseverance and judgment allowed you to subdue the distraught man without injury to the man or yourself, protecting the citizens of East Hartford.
Citation for Bravery
Officer Richard B. Rohner
Awarded for your actions on April 7, 1994, when you were involved with a standoff with a suicidal male on University Avenue inside his vehicle with a handgun. You entered the vehicle along with several officers, exposing yourself to danger to disarm this man to protect your fellow officers.
Distinguished Service Citation
HPD Detective Jeff K. Antuna
HPD Officer Michael A. Allen
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Kenneth C. Combs
Detective Ellen R. Stoldt
Officer Thomas V. Castagna
Officer Mark C. Estes
Officer Michael J. Lizotte
Distinguished – Awarded for the exceptional efforts and outstanding police work and the capture of a suspect wanted by the East Hartford Police Department for a triple homicide – arson case that occurred on December 13, 2003 at 42 Great Hill Road in East Hartford. This citation is presented with our gratitude and appreciation for your part in bringing this tragic case to a conclusion, resulting in your capture of this desperate, armed and dangerous man.
Meritorious
Detective Stoldt – Awarded for the fine work done as lead investigator in a triple homicide/arson investigation that occurred on December 13, 2003 at 42 Great Hill Road. Your exemplary skills and the coordination of the many agencies involved in this case helped to bring this very complicated and tragic case to a conclusion, resulting in an arrest warrant for the perpetrator of this heinous crime.
Sgt. Combs, Officer Castagna, Officer Estes, Officer Lizotte
Awarded for your actions on December 13, 2003, when you responded to 42 Great Hill Road on a report of a building fire. The scene turned from a fire into a horrific and complicated triple homicide/arson situation. You showed extraordinary professionalism and calm under dire circumstances and were able to obtain valuable early information to help eventually solve this horrific case.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Maurice C. Barksdale
Officer James D. O’Connor
Officer Javier Rosario
Awarded for your actions on March 28, 1997, when the Red Lantern Bookstore was robbed and a worker beaten and slashed. You were involved in the felony pursuit of the suspect who led officers into Hartford and you eventually tackled and captured the male who was high on crack cocaine at the time. Evidence and money were recovered at the scene and the dangerous suspect removed from the streets.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Marc J. Caruso
Awarded for your actions on June 9, 2004, when you responded to Henderson Drive where a 9 year old was home alone and someone was breaking into his home. You found two suspects about to climb through a rear window. You single-handedly captured the 2 burglars, while protecting this young child. Your quick, brave actions are to be commended with this citation.
Distinguished Service Citation
Sergeant Mark A. Kelly
Awarded for your extraordinary efforts while assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1999, as part of the Hartford Organized Crime Drug Task Force. You worked to target a violent Jamaican drug trafficking organization whose leader had East Hartford ties. After months of investigation, 28 persons were arrested (mostly from East Hartford), hundreds of pounds of marijuana was seized, guns were seized and money confiscated along with other assets.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Samuel A. Kelsey
Awarded for your actions in July of 1991, when you responded to the High Court Apartments and saved a man being threatened by members of a gang. You single-handedly held 4 dangerous men at bay until back-up arrived, protecting the citizen from harm. All 4 men (who were members of the 20 Love street gang) were taken into custody and convicted of burglary, assault and weapons charges.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Robert M. Kornfeld
Awarded for your actions on April 23, 1990, when you intercepted a car fleeing from a South Windsor Bank robbery into East Hartford. You chased a suspect on foot over a fence and captured him. The stolen money and a handgun were recovered. You captured an armed fleeing suspect, placing your personal safety at risk to protect the citizens of East Hartford.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Keith N. Ledoux
Officer Donald G. Olson
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Sawyer A. Shaw
Letter of Commendation
Officer Tara D. Hewins
Distinguished – Awarded for your actions on June 19, 2004, when you chased down and captured an armed kidnapper involved in a hostage situation where a young girl was being held hostage in Hartford. One of the victims had escaped after being transported to East Hartford to obtain money. A peaceful resolution to a potentially dangerous and deadly situation was the result of successful teamwork in this case.
Meritorious – Awarded for your actions when you were flagged down by a victim who had been kidnapped and the accomplice was holding a young girl captive in Hartford. He had been transported to East Hartford to obtain money and escaped. Your calm demeanor and quick thinking in a chaotic situation resulted in a peaceful resolution to a potentially dangerous and deadly situation.
Letter of Commendation – Awarded for your actions when you were involved in a case where there was a kidnapping and hostage situation. You were involved in the capture of the suspect when the victim escaped after being brought to East Hartford to obtain money and were able to secure a loaded 9mm gun and cocaine in a school area that had been dropped by the kidnapper.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer James D. O’Connor
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
In February of 1999, you successfully solved a case that involved 29 attempted burglaries and burglaries that had been on-going for over 6 months as the lead investigator in cases involving many hours of surveillance and persistence. Your diligence and persistence in the protection of property and future crime in East Hartford is commended.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Matthew J. Parlapiano
Officer Michael P. Romano
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Robert A. Backus
Distinguished – Awarded for your actions on June 25, 2004, when you responded to the Pizza Palace II Restaurant for a report of an active armed robbery and approached from the rear of the building to encounter an armed man approaching other officers. You tackled and took him into custody despite the danger, recovering a handgun, cash and the mask used in the robbery to protect your fellow officers and the public.
Meritorious – Awarded for your actions on June 25, 2004, when you responded to the Pizza Palace II Restaurant for an active armed robbery call. You took one suspect into custody in possession of a stun gun while another was captured approaching from the rear. Your actions resulted in the protection of life and property and prevention of further crimes.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Anthony J. Piacenta
Letter of Commendation
Officer Paul M. Mangiafico
Distinguished – In January of 1989, you responded to a domestic on Winding Lane which resulted in a distraught man firing shots at officers narrowly missing them. You were able to make entry and subdue the armed suspect after a struggle. Your actions were heroic, exposing yourself to gunfire, while protecting the public and your fellow officers.
Letter of Commendation – In January of 1989, you were the back-up that responded to a domestic on Winding Lane where a distraught man was firing shots at officers and their cars, narrowly missing them. You exposed yourself to gunfire, while resolving this potentially deadly situation, leading to a safe ending to what could have been a tragic situation.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer Richard B. Rohner
Awarded for your involvement in the investigation of a large scale drug ring in the 1990’s, which ended with the arrest of 5 major drug dealers and the seizure of cocaine worth in excess of $1.5 million dollars. This was the largest criminal conspiracy case in the Department’s history and your dedication and commitment to preventing the distribution of drugs in the Town, the State and even nationally is to be commended.
Distinguished Service Citation
Lieutenant Curtis A. Stoldt
Sergeant Robert J. Pronovost
On March 22, 1999, the Glastonbury Bank and Trust was robbed and the suspect description released. You developed leads and discovered where the suspect lived. While investigating, another robbery occurred and you were able to find the suspect at the YMCA, along with money from the most recent robbery. Due to diligence, perseverance and timely judgment, a dangerous person is off the street and property has been protected.
Distinguished Service Citation
Officer John M. Zavalick
Awarded for your actions on August 17, 1999 when, while assisting Manchester Police Department, you tracked a suspect who lunged at you with an 8” butcher knife, threatening to kill the officers and then himself. You were able to negotiate with the distraught suspect with a calm demeanor and he dropped the knife. Due to your diligence and perseverance, a potentially dangerous situation was resolved peacefully.
Life Saving Citation
Officer Paul S. Buchanan
Officer Robert S. Jones
Awarded for your actions on May 14, 1996, when you responded to an attempted suicide on Cannon Road for a female who had ingested pills. After you kicked in a door and removed a barricade, she attempted to jump out the window, but you were able to save her. The Life Saving Citation is presented for your quick actions which saved the life of this distraught woman.
Life Saving Citation
Sergeant Timothy A. Juergens
Officer Paul S. Buchanan
On March 27, 1991, you responded to Burnside Avenue where a distraught male was locked in a bathroom screaming he wanted to die. After opening the door, he held the knife to his neck threatening to cut himself further, but after some time you were able to negotiate and calm the man and offer him help. Eventually he gave up and gave you the knife. Due to your diligence the life of this man was saved.
Life Saving Citation
Officer Samuel A. Kelsey
Awarded for your actions in July of 1994 when you responded to an active house fire in the King Court area to find smoke and flames coming from one of the apartments. Without a thought to your own safety you entered to rescue an elderly male asleep in the apartment and carried the barely conscious man from the burning building saving his life.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Paul S. Buchanan
On July 8, 1998, while on your way to work, you noticed what appeared to be someone breaking into a vehicle near the Dunkin Donuts on Burnside Avenue. You were able to take one suspect with knives into custody as another fled. You placed your personal safety at risk to prevent the larceny of a motor vehicle, the arrest of the person responsible and to protect the property of the citizens of East Hartford.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Raymond Cheverier
Officer Jason S. Cohen
Officer John J. Dupont
Officer Todd M. Mona
Mona – Dupont – Cohen: Awarded for your actions on December 19, 2004, when you responded to a shots fired call at 14 Lewis Street which turned out to be a case involving a gun out on the street in the custody of a person in another juris that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Your diligent work and the rapid development of intelligent resulted in a safe arrest and recovery of the Walther 7.65 automatic used in the attempted shooting.
Officer Cheverier: Awarded for the assistance you gave in a case of shots fired at 14 Lewis Street on December 19, 2004, which turned into a case involving a gun out on the street in the custody of a person that could have caused serious injury or even death. Your help in processing the evidence and obtaining a sworn statement from the accused was critical to the arrest of the suspect.
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Christopher A. Connolly
Officer Darrell M. Drouin
Officer Stephen C. Grossi
Officer Lawrence W. Henrickson
Officer Keith N. Ledoux
Officer Michael P. Romano
Awarded for your actions on July 3, 2001 when you responded to a possible home invasion on Comstock Place in which a mother and her children were hiding in an upstairs bedroom afraid of someone who was downstairs. As part of the entry team, you located a totally delusional and psychotic male on the stairs that had escaped from a psychiatric hospital and had no idea that it wasn’t his home. Your professionalism, total teamwork and efforts resulted in a safe conclusion to this frightening episode.
Meritorious Service Citation
Sergeant Dominique N. Corbett
During July and August of 2002, you had a special assignment to the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Your Russian linguistic skills were needed to help in interviews that involved over 45 Russian speaking people. Your fine work for the State in working with witnesses and translation efforts led to a conviction in this case.
Meritorious Service Citation
Detective Ellen Stoldt
Officer Brian Fox
Letter of Commendation
Sergeant James Leonard
Officer Raymond Cheverier
Officer Paul G Neves
Officer Matthew J. Parlapiano
Officer Jeffrey A. Rodick
Officer Michael P. Romano
Officer Peter D. Slocum
On October 29, 2003, a heinous, violent sexual assault/burglary case occurred on Brewer Street. This was a complicated crime and required attention to detail. Within a month, due to diligent investigation, arrests were made. Through teamwork and keen investigative skills, this violent crime was solved and the perpetrators arrested. Your actions helped to remove violent offenders from the street and prevent further crime in our Town.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Tara D. Hewins
Awarded for your actions in August of 2004, when you responded to a domestic disturbance, chased the male party and suspecting that he had dropped drugs, discovered that he had dropped $400 in counterfeit twenty dollar bills. The U.S. Secret Service was called and a large counterfeiting ring that was working through the Connecticut casinos was uncovered. Your diligence and perseverance in this case are to be commended.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Tracy P. O’Connell
On December 23, 1999, a bulletin was issued for a vehicle wanted in a Holyoke, Massachusetts officer shooting. You initiated a stop on a car matching the description and even though it was not the suspect vehicle, you had suspicions about the occupants. A search of the vehicle yielded 540 packets of heroin and led to an apartment where 800 more packets were discovered. The total weight of drugs seized had a street value of $230,000. Your attention to detail and perseverance is awarded.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Anthony J. Piacenta
On November 6, 1998, you had to force your way into an apartment on Smith Drive for an active domestic dispute. You found a male choking a woman after she had stabbed him in self defense. You forced your way into this home to stop a violent confrontation and prevent further harm to both parties. Your actions resulted in the protection of life and prevention of a more serious crime.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer David W. Rhoades, Jr.
On February 2, 2004, you learned at line-up of a Glastonbury attempted robbery and the description of the wanted suspect. Later that evening, on a shoplifting complaint, you recalled this description and believed you had the suspect. You obtained consent to search the suspect’s vehicle and found the note used in the Glastonbury robbery and the mask. This person was also wanted in Manchester for two robbery attempts. You are commended for your attention to detail and perseverance in this case.
Meritorious Service Citation
Officer Sawyer A. Shaw
Awarded for the fine police work done in October of 2004, when you investigated a vandalism of school buses at Prestige Park Circle. Additional buses had been vandalized which brought the total to 18 buses. You developed suspects and within a few days arrested four juveniles. Additional vandalism incidents were solved for a total of 7 cleared cases. Your perseverance and extra efforts in this case are to be commended.
Letter of Commendation
Officer Sandor T. Binkley
Officer Todd Mona
Officer John M. Zavalick
Awarded for your actions on June 20, 2004 when the Glastonbury Mobil Mart was held up and a gun displayed. One suspect was captured, but the other with a gun could not be located. Raven tracked the suspect and he was found lying in high grass behind the Staples Store. A gun was located beneath him. Glastonbury commended you for your help in the apprehension of this dangerous felon who was a suspect in other robberies throughout the area.
Letter of Commendation
Officer Paul S. Buchanan
Officer Michael J. Morelli
On February 11, 2004, you responded to a dispute and located the two parties and took the female into custody as there was a warrant for her. The male, who was intoxicated, pulled a knife threatening to harm himself, thus beginning a standoff. With the use of the taser, the male was handcuffed, but had medical difficulties and you provided first aid until the medics arrived. Awarded for your good judgment during a stressful situation where you prevented someone from harming themselves.
Letter of Commendation
Officer James D. O’Connor
Officer Ricardo Soto
In March of 2000, an incident where a woman was slashed and cut while she sat in her car occurred. As investigators from the CID, you spent countless hours investigating this case, following and developing leads. The truth that you finally uncovered was that the estranged boyfriend had paid someone to cut the girl and stage it to appear to be a robbery. As a result of your fine investigative work and perseverance, both the assailant and the boyfriend were arrested and convicted of this heinous crime.
Military Veterans Citation
Officer Sandor T. Binkley
Officer Jeffrey J. Cutler
Awarded in recognition of your past service as a member of the Armed Services of the United State of America.
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