Police Promote Seven, Swear in Three New Officers

The Fairfield Police Department on Monday promoted seven officers, swore three new officers into service, recognized the accomplishments of officers over the past year and gave civilian awards to Thomas Kane and Nina Harold.

The ceremony, which took place in Roger Ludlowe Middle School's auditorium, was attended by more than 100 town and state officials and relatives of the officers, and the Fairfield American Little League team, which won the New England championship this year, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Police Chief Gary MacNamara thanked family members and friends of police officers, saying much of what the officers accomplish would not be possible without them.

"These are always wonderful and important events in the lives of people who are dedicating themselves to our community," First Selectman Ken Flatto said. "As I saw first-hand Saturday morning, you can have the most peaceful and safe community in the world, and, in the fraction of a second, things can change."

Flatto was referring to a gunman scare that took place during a field hockey game at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, which later turned out to be only a man seeking a business to clean his rifle, but which left students and parents terrified for about a half-hour after they fled into Ludlowe High's gymnasium.

Flatto thanked police officers for their quick and professional response to the initial reports, saying the town's residents have never been better protected than they are today.

State Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield, said Fairfield was routinely considered by national newspapers and magazines as one of the best places to live in the country, and that, McKinney said, was due in large part to its emergency responders. He thanked police officers for allowing him and his three children to sleep well at night, knowing they are protected.

Brenda Kupchick, a Representative Town Meeting member from District 6 and candidate for state representative, said Fairfield's highly-acclaimed beaches, parks and school system would mean nothing if the town wasn't safe because no one would want to live here.

"Our community is a safer and better place because of your efforts," said Donald Kleber, chairman of the town's Police Commission and an FBI agent for more than 30 years. "We have some of the finest police officers God has ever placed on this earth serving our town."

"God be with you, and may you always return home safely from your assigned duties," Kleber added.

Promoted on Monday, with their new ranks, were:

Deputy Police Chief Chris Lyddy, a 28-year veteran of the department, has worked as a patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, lieutenant, commander of the department's Investigative Division, and commander of the Patrol Division. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. and is the executive advisor to the Fairfield Police Department's Explorer Post, which is open to young men and women interested in a career in law enforcement.

Capt. Joshua Zabin, a 24-year veteran of the department, worked in the Patrol Division, where he served as a supervisor and shift commander, and in the Investigative Division, where he conducted general investigations and investigations into burglaries, financial crimes and crimes against children. He also worked in the department's Special Services Division where he instituted traffic enforcement programs and improved the DUI enforcement program.

Lt. Christopher Tursi, an 11-year veteran of the department, has worked in the Patrol Division as a field training officer, field supervisor, field training officer supervisor and temporary field training officer coordinator while a lieutenant who held that position was on extended leave. Tursi also served as director of the Emergency Communications Center and worked in the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center during multi-jurisdictional incidents. He has received more than 20 letters of merit from his supervisors and the public.

Sgt. Seth Jenkins, a nine-year veteran of the department, was assigned to the Patrol Division and has been a member of the department's Emergency Services Unit for six years, taking part in search warrant raids and several operations by the unit. He completed several SWAT schools, including Basic SWAT, High Risk Entry and an Instructor Course for Specialty Impact Munitions. He has been a member of the department's Bicycle Unit since 2005 and previously worked as a school resource officer. He has 15 letters of commendation from supervisors and 13 letters of merit from the public.

Detective Peter Koval, an eight-year veteran of the department, was a member of the Patrol Division, and, in 2007, was assigned to the Fairfield Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team. He also served as a field training officer and was responsible for training recruit officers after they graduate from the Connecticut Police Academy. In 2009, he received the U.S. Attorney's Award for an investigation in which two men plead guilty to federal weapons charges.

Detective Edward Nook, an 11-year veteran of the department, was a member of the Patrol Division and worked as a member of the Motorcycle Unit and Bicycle Unit. He has been a member of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team for nine years and also worked as a field training officer, helping to train recruit officers.

Detective Alex Fucci, a five-year veteran of the department, was a member of the Patrol Division and Fairfield Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team. He received specialized training in high risk searches and building entries, interview and interrogation, and juvenile delinquency and juvenile law. He graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in criminal justice and performed volunteer work through high school and college with the Special Olympics and Big Brother/Big Sister program.

The three new officers, sworn into service by Flatto, were Officer Michael Stall, Officer Jason Kline and Officer Michael Clark. Police Capt. Donald Smith said Stall, Kline and Clark scored in the top 5 out of 500 people who started the process to become a police officer.

After the promotions and swearing in of new police officers, the department recognized police officers for significant accomplishments over the past year and then honored two civilians.

Officer Michael Komm was honored with a Lifesaving Award for preventing a man from killing himself on March 12, 2010 in a commuter parking lot.

Officer Michael Guilfoyle was honored with a Medal of Exceptional Service for responding to a bank robbery on March 23, 2010 and capturing two suspects after a foot chase.

Detective Frederick Caruso was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for his investigation into a case of custodial interference where a father was attempting to abduct his children. Caruso was able to locate the man and children in Texas and ensure the children were safely returned to Connecticut and the father was extradited to Connecticut.

Detective Kerry Dalling was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for an investigation in 2009 into a domestic violence complaint where a woman had been physically abused by her boyfriend over a six-month period. Dalling's investigation led to the arrest of the suspect and prevention of further abuse to the woman.

Officer Grant Dalling was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for his dedication and work at the Fairfield Police Department's Marine Unit, where he was cited as the driving force behind the remodeling of the building at South Benson Marina, nearly all of which was done through efforts of volunteers.

Officer Frank DeAngelis was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for assisting a pedestrian out of the travel lanes of Interstate 95 on June 25, 2010, eliminating danger to the pedestrian and motorists on the highway.

Sgt. Frederick Hine was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for investigating a report of physical and sexual abuse involving three juveniles. Hine's investigation led to the arrest of a suspect on eight felony charges.

Officer Michael Paris and Officer Jennifer Siraco were honored with Letters of Commendation for Honorable Service for an investigation, in February 2010, into an initial report of a suspicious person, which led to the discovery that a woman was being held against her will and sexually assaulted and which resulted in arrests.

Officer Charles Ricco was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for capturing suspects during a burglary after spotting a suspicious vehicle and keeping it under surveillance.

Officer Timothy Stalling was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for responding to an emergency medical call on Jan. 14, 2010 and assisting in the delivery of a baby.

Officer Peter Stansfield was honored with a Letter of Commendation for Honorable Service for apprehending a suspect in numerous thefts from motor vehicles. Stansfield's investigation, MacNamara said, solved multiple crimes and led to several felony charges against the suspect.

Detective Sgt. Edward Greene was recognized for his work and dedication as a supervisor in the Investigative Division, which led to numerous crimes being solved.

Officer James Wiltsie and Officer Greg Carroll were recognized for responding to an emergency medical call on Long Island Sound and for saving a kayaker in Long Island Sound whose kayak had overturned and who was in the water without a life jacket.

Kane was credited for his work in remodeling the department's Marine Unit building at South Benson Marina, and Nina, 13, was credited with helping to capture a burglar who had entered her home in June.

MacNamara said Nina showed "exceptional judgment" by sneaking out of her house undetected, contacting police and providing accurate information to dispatchers and investigating officers. "Without her, we would not have apprehended the suspect," he said.