Ledyard Police Officers Receive Medal Of Valor

Information via Ledyard Police Department

LEDYARD, CT — Today, three Ledyard Officers and one former officer were awarded the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Medal of Valor at the organization’s fall meeting.

Officers Thomas Olsen, William Beeler, Kyle Dugas and former Ledyard and current East Lyme Officer Ryan VanOverloop received this most prestigious honor from CPCA.

The award recognizes officers who distinguish themselves by extraordinary acts of heroism in a single event, where the officers are aware of imminent danger and life threatening circumstances and demonstrate bravery and/or self-sacrifice in their actions.

The four officers were honored for their actions in response to a reported home
invasion in Gales Ferry in May of 2020. Upon entering the home the officers encountered a man armed with a rifle who shot himself in their presence as they tried to de-escalate the situation and disarm the man.

Also honored today were officers from Waterford and New Haven Police Departments who were nominated by their chiefs for lifesaving actions in the line of duty.

LPD congratulates all of the honorees. Very proud day for our officers and our department!