AnnualAwards

Wilton Police Department

Officers' Annual Awards

The Wilton Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony. The awards are to honor officers who have performed their duties in an exemplary manner. The ceremony concludes with awarding one of the Department's most prestigious award, the Officer of the Year Award.

This year the Award's Ceremony was held on 3/13/2007 in the Brubeck Room of the Wilton Public Library.

Special thanks to the Wilton Rotary Club, Stephanie Barksdale and Mark Kolier of the Wilton Rotary Club for co-sponsoring the Awards.

Below are photographs taken at the ceremony.

	Chief Kulhawik welcomes First Selectman, William Brennan and the Police Commissioners, Matthew Mason, Mark Ketley and Chris Weldon to the prestigious annual officers' awards ceremony.
	Chief Kulhawik welcomes officers and guests.
	First Selectman, William Brennan welcomes officers and guests.
	Wilton Police Commission Chairman Matthew Mason welcomes officers and guests.
	There were approximately 75 officers, family, and guests in attendance.
	Officer Arnault Baker OFFICER OF THE YEAR (As described by Chief Kulhawik during the Award Ceremony) This year's officer of the year began working in Wilton in 2002 and is always considered one of the most respected, level headed and mature individuals you could ever encounter. This officer is the consummate professional and one of the most ambitious officers in patrol where he routinely stops over 400 vehicles annually. In addition to normal patrol duties, this officer is a trained Paramedic and has spent countless hours throughout the year training officers in Medical Procedure and setting up all the medical bags that are carried in our patrol vehicles. Additionally, this officer is now certified in and has written the lesson plans for, training in Weapons of Mass destruction and personal protective equipment for which he has trained all our officers. He also trains all our officers in Medical Response Technician Certification as well as CPR. Additionally, this officer is also used as a very effective translator in Spanish and French where his bilingual skills have proven to be a great asset to his fellow officers in assisting with investigations. In addition to his work here in Wilton he also works part time as a Paramedic for The Norwalk Hospital where he was employed full time prior to his employment with us here in Wilton. In short, this officer epitomizes the professional standard the Wilton Police Department is known for.
	The Officer of the Year Award (also known as the Officer Jack VanDeusen Award) was started in the memory of Jack. Officer VanDeusen started his career with the Wilton Police Department in 1986. During his career, he helped to initiate the Strategic Traffic Patrol and made numerous felony arrests. As a person, he was dedicated to serving the public. He was the Chief of the New Canaan Fire Department and served as an EMT on the New Canaan Emergency Medical Service. His life and career were cut short in 2003 by his untimely death. This award is granted to one member of the Wilton Police Department each year who distinguishes him/herself from his/her peers by actions which represent the highest standards of the police profession. The members recommended for consideration by supervisors must have no sustained departmental or citizen complaints for the year, must have maintained an acceptable level of productivity and a minimal level of absenteeism. One nomination for this award may be submitted each year by each sergeant and lieutenant to the Chief of Police. The recipient shall be at the Chief's discretion.
	Parking is at a premium in the rear of the Police Department. Officer of the Year has his very own parking space reserved for the recipient.
	Last year's Officer of the Year, Officer Gregg Phillipson congratulates this year's Officer of the Year, Officer Arnault Baker.
	Officer Arnault Baker with the Police Commission and Chief Kulhawik.
	Officer Gregg Phillipson MERITORIOUS POLICE SERVICE AWARD On September 20, 2006, you observed a northbound vehicle in which the operator did not turn down the high beams with oncoming traffic. You stopped the vehicle and detected an odor of marijuana. Through further investigation, you revealed sizable amounts of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia, and a large amount of cash associated with drug trafficking. It was also determined that the accused was on his way to Western Connecticut State University with the seized items. Through your diligence in this matter you removed a drug dealer from society.
	Detective Kip Tarrant Detective Scott Sear MERITORIOUS POLICE SERVICE AWARD This department received a complaint from the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department that they were treating the victim of a sexual assault. Both Detectives were assigned to the investigation. It was soon determined that the actual sexual assault occurred in another jurisdiction. Despite the jurisdictional issues learned, you both took command of the situation to ensure the professional care of the victim. The other jurisdiction was summoned to the scene to continue the investigation. Your understanding of the trauma already suffered by the victim prompted you both to stay with the investigation and the victim to ensure the proper handling. The subsequent arrest of the accused by the other jurisdiction and Wilton Police concluded with a trial resulting in a guilty verdict. By all accounts, it was the professional and personal handling by you that resulted in the successful prosecution of this crime.
Being held by Officer Trahan is his son Kyle	Officer Peter Trahan EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE AWARD On May 28, 2006, Memorial Day you were at a friend's house in their swimming pool with others. Another adult outside of the pool noticed a child on the bottom of the deep end of the pool. You dove down and pulled the child out which turned out to be your son, Kyle. Kyle was removed from the pool and was not breathing. You started CPR with the assistance of your wife, Jennifer. CPR was performed until Kyle started to breath on his own again, after a couple of minutes. Once the ambulance arrived, Kyle was transported to Yale University Hospital. Kyle has made a full recovery with no effects from the incident. An event like this is stressful unto itself, but to add that the victim is your child made the situation even more traumatic. You should be proud of the work you have done. You are a credit to the Wilton Police Department, the entire police profession and most importantly your family.
	Officer Paul Lichtenberger CITATION OF COMMENDATION On January 1, 2006, you were assigned to communications as the sole communications officer. At one point, you observed the prisoner kneeling in the front of his cell with what appeared to be the yellow department issued blanket tied around the top crossbar of the cell. Due to a partially obstructed view, you entered the cell block to check on the well being of the prisoner. As you entered the cell block area, you observed the prisoner kneeling on the floor with one end of the blanket tied to the crossbars and the other around the prisoner's neck. The prisoner was found to have his eyes closed but was breathing. You untied the knot from the crossbars, which released the pressure from around the prisoner's neck. You then contacted your supervisor and medical assistance. Due to the quick response, the prisoner did not suffer any injuries or respiratory problems. You should be proud of the work you have done and are commended for this thorough investigation; you are a credit to the Wilton Police Department and the entire police profession.
Lieutenant John Lynch LETTER OF COMMENDATION On February 8, 2006 at approximately 1800 hours, while working an extra duty assignment near the southern entrance/exit to Wilton's main railroad station you noticed three individuals acting suspicious walking through the parking lot. You approached the three and were told by them that they were looking for their vehicle as they had forgotten where they had parked it. After a thorough investigation no criminal activity was detected and the subjects were released. It was later learned that train stations from New York into Fairfield County were experiencing burglaries to vehicles and that MTA had developed a suspect who you later identified as one of the three you encountered on February 8th in Wilton. Your work provided valuable information to other agencies conducting similar investigations where arrests were made.	Detective Christopher Isidro LETTER OF COMMENDATION On March 15, 2006, a complaint was received from a local businessman advising of telephone calls from an unidentified caller attempting to extort funds for surreptitious recordings. The voice on the recording was of the ex-partner negotiating a price to have the businessman seriously assaulted and to damage property. On March 16, 2006, working with a neighboring police department, a meeting was arranged which led to the arrest of two individuals. You should be proud of the work you have done and are commended for this thorough investigation. You are a credit to the Wilton Police Department and the entire police profession.
Lieutenant Stephen Bartek LETTER OF COMMENDATION On May 30, 2006, officers were sent to a residence for a domestic violence incident. It was learned that the abuser struck the victim in the face knocking her to the floor. While on the floor the abuser continued to strike and kick the victim in the face and body. After the assault the abuser left the residence to avoid apprehension. A description was given over the radio of the abusers vehicle. While on a traffic assignment upon hearing the description realized that the vehicle had already passed your location. You notified HQ and went after the vehicle. The vehicle was located and with the assistance of other Wilton police officers the abuser was apprehended after a brief struggle. Due to your keen observation the abuser was apprehended preventing him from fleeing the area.	Officer Richard Muth LETTER OF COMMENDATION You are currently assigned to the Records Division and since being assigned there you have streamlined the Division, and also have taken the time to train Department personnel, one on one, in the use of the Department's Records Management System and with NIBRS. Even though the Records Division is a full time job, you have accepted the responsibility of keeping the Department's IT needs functioning properly. This in itself is a full time position that you do in conjunction with your Records Division duties. These tasks are overwhelming, however you find the time (sometimes on your own time) to complete the undertaking. You have also recently started to assist Captain Crosby with the Mobile Data Terminals (MDT's), a mission that you took on without being requested. By assisting with these tasks you have enabled Captain Crosby the freedom to concentrate fully on the duties of his position.
Sergeant Dave Collins Officer John Godfrey Officer Robert Kluk Officer Diane Papa Officer Robert Cipolla LETTER OF COMMENDATION Headquarters received a 911 phone call from a female resident who was extremely upset and indicated that her ex-husband pointed a gun at her and her children. He then departed her residence in an unknown direction. Officers responded to the scene and a search for the ex-husband ensued. It was learned that the ex-husband had an apartment in Town. Several officers checked the apartment and located the ex-husband's vehicle. At the same time, the ex-husband phoned the victim and threatened to harm himself if the police approached. Contact was established with the ex-husband and he was convinced that police would not harm him and gave him detailed instructions as to how to surrender. The ex-husband emerged from the apartment and surrendered without incident.	Officer Chris Lund LETTER OF COMMENDATION Officer Thomas Conlan Officer Shawn Frendt LETTER OF RECOGNITION New Canaan Police Department requested assistance in locating a subject who had walked away from Silver Hill Hospital. The subject's demeanor was described as argumentative with a dislike for police. A call was then received that a male fitting the description of the subject was swimming naked in a pond. Officer Lund spotted the subject and a foot pursuit ensued. While chasing the subject through the woods Officer Lund leaped over an embankment into a bog injuring his leg. Officer Lund continued to pursue the subject despite his injury. A short time later, assisted by Officer Frendt, the subject was captured and a struggle ensued, until Officer Conlan arrived and assisted in cuffing the subject. The struggle was made difficult due to the sweat, mud and blood from scratches the subject received from running through the woods and bog naked.
Officer Steven Gelineau LETTER OF RECOGNITION On April 9, 2006, you responded to a complaint of property damage caused by a motor vehicle who had fled the scene. While investigating the evading accident you located several pieces of the vehicle that caused the damage. You went to area body shops and located the vehicle in question. Through your investigation the operator was located and arrested. Your diligence prevented the operator from evading his liability and saved the complainant from the monetary responsibility of repairing the damage.	Sergeant Stephen Brennan LETTER OF RECOGNITION On May 26, 2006, as the day shift Sergeant you immediately responded to a bank robbery in progress, as did a number of additional patrol, detective and administrative units. While en route to the scene, you radioed instructions to other responding units as to where they would be needed, instructed communications personnel to alert surrounding towns via the hotline radio, and also coordinated through communications personnel where the assisting police agencies of Ridgefield and Weston were needed. Upon arriving on scene you took command to ensure a safe perimeter was set up around the bank area by other officers and continued to direct arriving units as to where they were needed. You obtained information from communications personnel as to the location and well-being of the occupants of the bank. Upon receiving information that the suspect had fled the scene, you coordinated a three man entry team to enter the bank, search for the suspect, and secure the premises. You continued to assist other command officers during the course of the on scene investigation. During this serious and dangerous crime in progress you remained calm. Your supervision as the situation unfolded was exemplary, and your high level of training for emergency situations was evident.
Officer Gregg Phillipson Officer Stephen Sisenstein Officer Eva Zimnoch Officer Steven Rangel LETTER OF RECOGNITION Officer Phillipson was forced to initiate pursuit of a vehicle that would not stop for him. Officer Rangel deployed the spike strips causing the eluding vehicle's front right tire to deflate and become disabled. Once disabled, the operator and passenger fled the area. Officer Zimnoch engaged the passenger in a foot pursuit and apprehended him while Officer Rangel and Officer Phillipson searched for the operator. Officer Sisenstein maintained constant communications with all the involved officers making it easier for them to perform their duties. Officer Phillipson assisted in coordinating the search for the operator with the Ridgefield Police Department's K-9 unit. The operator eventually turned himself in.
	For the first time this year the Wilton Police Department's Annual Awards Ceremony was co-sponsored by the Wilton Rotary Club.

Congratulations and thank you for your dedication.