Orange Detective Denny Peterson Named 2026 Police Officer Of The Year

ORANGE, CT — Orange Police Detective Denny Peterson has been named the town's 2026 Police Officer of the Year and will be honored at the Amity Chamber of Commerce Community Awards and Annual Meeting.

Peterson was chosen by the Orange Police Department's leadership team, according to the Amity Chamber of Commerce. He will receive the award Sept. 17 at the Courtyard by Marriott, 136 Marsh Hill Road, in Orange.

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Orange Police Chief Robert Gagne will present the award. Members of the department, local officials, chamber members, family, friends and the public are expected to attend.

Peterson has served the Orange Police Department for nearly 12 years. Gagne said Peterson "stood out from his first recruitment interview."

According to the release, Peterson's attention to detail, precision and ability to learn and use new skills have helped him investigate cases and train newly appointed officers.

Peterson is commander of the department's Honor Guard and a member of a specialized team that investigates major motor vehicle crashes. He also volunteers as a coordinator for Connecticut Special Olympics events.

"Throughout his successes, Detective Peterson has always conducted himself with humility," Gagne said. "He continually strives to build relationships, both internally and externally, and is an epitome of the values articulated in the Department's mission statement: 'To protect life and property and to serve the public, always with integrity and professionalism, striving to achieve an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.'"

The Amity Chamber Community Awards and Annual Meeting will include a hot buffet breakfast and networking with officials, business leaders and community leaders from the region, according to the release. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the program begins at 9 a.m.

Tickets will not be available at the door, according to the release.