Southington Restaurateur Recognized for Supporting First-Responders

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A Southington restaurateur has been recognized for supporting first-responders in the community.

To commemorate National Community Policing Week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a community policing awards ceremony on Monday afternoon in New Haven that recognized 22 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.

“At heart, community policing is a philosophy that each of us, members of law enforcement and communities alike, have a stake in keeping our cities and towns safe and secure places to live,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “During National Community Policing Week, we celebrate our commitment to supporting the practice of community policing. Police can never solve public safety problems alone. We encourage active community collaboration to improve safety, build public trust and deepen understanding between police and the communities they serve. The officers and community members recognized today are excellent examples of the best in community policing and community relations. I am confident that their efforts are making meaningful and lasting progress, and it is my great privilege to honor each of them and to thank them for their invaluable work.”

Among those recognized was Smokin with Chris owner Chris Conlon, a former West Hartford and Southington fireman who, Daly says, "continually gives back to his community."

On Aug. 29, Conlon hosted a first-responder appreciation night, Daly said. In an effort to accommodate all shifts of personnel, this event was held throughout the day with food provided to Southington police, fire and EMS personnel and their families.

Even his employees volunteered to work on their day off to support local first responders. Overall, the restaurant served meals to 200 first-responders and family members.

This is not the first time Chris Conlon has been honored for his community service. In March of 2015 he was awarded the Southington Stars Community Service Award by the United Way of Southington for continually donating food from his restaurant to support local organizations like the Southington Chamber of Commerce, Southington High School Marching Band, the United Way and many others.

During that award ceremony, Conlon stated “I’m humbled because there are so many people that do so much more than I do,” said Conlon. “One grain of sand does not make the beach nor does one tree make a forest, but together we are a community, and this is what it’s about.”

Photo Credit: Smokin With Chris