Norwalk Police Officer Retires After 29 Years

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Police Department announced this week the retirement of Andy Kovlakas after 29 years of service.

In a Facebook post, the department said Kovlakas officially retired Monday.

Kovlakas was sworn in as a member of the department on Oct. 15, 1992. Throughout his career, Kovlakas served in the Patrol Division, K-9 Unit, Training Division and Special Victims Unit, where he acted as a School Resource Officer and Community Police Services Unit.

Kovlakas was a K-9 handler of Nomak, a police service dog, for over six years. Kovlakas and Nomak were both recognized and honored with a Police Service Cross for capturing a man who threatened his girlfriend with a large kitchen knife.

Kovlakas received numerous letters from Norwalk residents and other local police departments for his professionalism and dedication during his career, police said.

"Over the years, Officer Kovlakas was recognized on several occasions for Officer of the Month including responding to a man who had fallen into the water at Cove Marina," the post reads. "Officer Kovlakas was able to find and retrieve the man from the water due his perseverance."

Kovlakas was also awarded a Letter of Commendation for going to a scene while off duty to help counsel and direct a person through the surrender process, according to police.

"We are very sad to see Andy leave," the post reads, "but we are very grateful for his loyal service which helped to make our department and the city of Norwalk a better place for us all. Please join us in wishing him the best in his retirement."

The post can be read in full on the department's Facebook page here.