New Canaan Police Name 2023 Officer Of The Year

Information via the New Canaan Police Department

NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan police announced Friday the department's selection for the 2023 Lt. Steven W. Wood Officer of the Year award.

According to a news release provided by police, the award will be presented to Officer Christopher Dewey, an 11-year veteran of the department.

The award was created in 2014 to honor and memorialize Lt. Stephen Wood, a beloved member of the department.

Nomination and selection for the award is the result of exceptional work, integrity and overall service to New Canaan and the department.

According to police, Dewey was hired by New Canaan police on Jan. 3, 2013. He is currently assigned to the department's patrol division and serves as the assistant executive officer of the Special Response Team.

He is also a certified instructor in many areas including firearms and is a Field Training Officer. His multifaceted instructor certifications in various areas of law enforcement have proven to be an invaluable asset to or officers, according to police.

Dewey's proactive utilization of these certifications, through the implementation of targeted training scenarios and exercises for the department's patrol officers, has significantly contributed to the enhancement of our department’s capabilities, police said.

"Dewey consistently represents the department with dignity and respect," police said in a news release, "and takes an active role in our Honor Guard."

Dewey will be presented with the award at the department's annual award ceremony this spring, police said.

In addition to Dewey, police noted there were three other commendable nominees for the award. Officers Owen Ochs, Annamaria Ceci and Giancarlo Vincenzi were all nominated by their supervisors, each embodying exemplary qualities, according to police.

Ochs has been a member of the department since 2017, is assigned to the patrol division. He is a certified Dispatcher, Accident Reconstructionist, and Filed Training Officer. Ochs is a highly motivated and proactive officer. His attention to detail and investigative skills led to the successful issuance of ten arrest warrants in 2023. Ochs was the recipient of the 2022 Lt. Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year Award, according to police.

Ceci has been a member of the department since 2018. In 2023, Ceci was selected to be the department’s Community Impact Officer (CIO). During her tenure as CIO, she built lasting relationships with our local businesses and was a positive presence in our downtown. Ceci epitomizes community policing, organizing impactful events such as food drives, winter clothing drives, and, most recently she spearheaded the department’s “Giving Wall” which provided 78 gifts to New Canaan children in need during the holiday season. In addition, Ceci was instrumental in the growth of our department’s social media channels, according to police.

Vincenzi has been a member of the department since 2019. He is assigned to the patrol division. In addition, he is a member of the Special Response Team and is Field Training Officer. He is very proactive while on patrol and has keen investigative skills. He is a talented officer with a friendly and approachable demeanor, according to police.

"These are just four out of 47 officers who deserve our gratitude and praise for serving and protecting our town," police said.