Enfield Community Mourning Longtime Police Officer

ENFIELD, CT — Scott Owen, an Enfield Patriot Award winner who served as an officer with the Enfield Police Department for 26 years and headed up the department's Police Explorer Post 820, died Tuesday following a long illness. He was 62.

Owen, who joined the police force in late 1987, was an advisor for the Explorers for two decades, including two years as director of the Police Explorer Academy. He was an avid proponent of proper flag etiquette, and also served as a firearms instructor, retired Police Chief Carl Sferrazza said.

"Scott was a very dedicated police officer, a dedicated family man, and he devoted a lot of his efforts to the youths," Sferrazza said.

In 2010, Owen sustained a shoulder injury which required surgery, but an adverse reaction to anesthesia caused his heart to stop and resulted in long-term disability. He lost most of his speaking ability and was confined to a wheelchair the remainder of his life, colleagues said.

A U.S. Army veteran, Owen also spent 19 years in the Air National Guard, including a deployment during Operation Desert Storm. In 2013, he was presented the Patriot Award at the Enfield 4th of July Town Celebration in recognition of his service in public safety and the military.

A number of his former colleagues reminisced about Owen in communication with Enfield Patch.

"He was a very likable person and cared deeply about the Explorer program," said Lt. Willie Pedemonti, who graduated with Owen in Class 210 of the police academy and has served as head adviser to the Explorers since Owen's injury. "Since his accident, he fought a courageous battle, and I hope he and his family can find peace."

Retired Lt. Pat Droney said, "The thing I remember about Scott was his tremendous love for his family. Monica and Amanda were the lights of his life. And when Scott suffered his medical event, neither of them abandoned him or left his side. The unconditional love they showed to Scott was an inspiration to anyone who saw it. As a police officer, Scott always represented the Enfield Police Department with honor and pride. He did a tremendous job with the Explorer post when he was the adviser. This is just a terribly sad time for the Enfield Police Department family. I was honored to both work alongside Scott and also to be his supervisor. My prayers are with Monica and Amanda, his step daughter Eva as well as his grandchildren."

"I had the opportunity and privilege of working with Scott for many years," said retired officer Joe Lorenzetti. "A gentle giant who truly cared about the job who had a heart of gold. A good cop, father, husband and true patriot. May he rest in truly deserved, honored peace."

Calling hours are slated for Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 3-7 p.m. at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Read his complete obituary here.