Veteran Southington Cop Is 'Officer Of The Year'

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A prestigious veterans organization has awarded a veteran Southington police officer with one of its most prestigious law enforcement awards.

Southington police officer Christopher LaPorte was recently honored by the Connecticut American Legion as its 2022 "Officer of the Year."

The department posted photos and an announcement of the honor this week via social media.

According to the plaque given to LaPorte, the honor is "awarded annually to that member of any police department who, while in the pursuit of their profession and by exceptional performance of duty, has brought credit to their police department, the community and to themselves during the current year."

LaPorte was nominated by the Southington-based Kiltonic American Legion Post 72.

"Officer LaPorte is a staple of exemplary police conduct and we are thankful for his commitment," reads an SPD post on its Facebook page.

According to the department, LaPorte has been a member for 25 years and currently serves the town as its community relations officer.

He supervises the town’s passenger safety seat installation and donation program as well as neighborhood watch and the collegiate internship program, according to police officials.

In addition, LaPorte also serves as an advisor for the SPD's police cadet program.

Prior to his role in community relations, LaPorte served in the patrol division and was a K-9 officer.

For the Southington Police Department's Facebook page, click on this link.