Stamford's 2024 Citizen Of The Year Announced

STAMFORD, CT — Adriana Molina, a sergeant within the Stamford Police Department, has been named the 2024 Stamford Citizen of the Year (COTY).

The award is given annually to a resident whose contributions make Stamford the great place that it is.

Molina was nominated by a group of community leaders, including Building One Community Executive Director Anka Badurina; the Rev. Robert Jackson from Bethel AME Church; former COTY Mary Sommer, who is a judge; and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw, among others.

"Sgt. Molina drew praise well beyond the achievements of her more than 25 years on the force," a news release on the announcement said. "Adriana has been a champion for the homeless, a bridge builder and an ambassador to the Hispanic community, and a volunteer for too many charitable organizations and events to list. Plus, at her day job, Sgt. Molina helped pioneer the SPD's innovative Behavioral Health Unit, which directs measured responses to mental health, substance abuse, and doestic crises, augmenting traditional law enforcement with service referrals to the city's many health and social services partners."

Shaw said Molina was the first person to come to mind when the SPD formed its Behavioral Health Unit.

"Adriana is the consummate professional and due to her dedication and drive, our BHU has received over $1 million in grants in support," he noted.

Molina's immediate supervisor, Capt. Tom Barcello, praised her work ethic.

"When a situation is developing or doesn't have a standard response, we give it to Adriana," he said. "IF she touches it, she finishes it to a proper resolution."

Molina emigrated to Stamford with her parents and siblings from Colombia at the age of 2. Molina excelled as a student within Stamford Public Schools and graduated from Westhill High School.

She later raised her three children in Stamford and eventually became a police dispatcher before ultimately joining the force as an officer at age 37.

"All the while, everywhere in the department and elsewhere in city government that she has touched, she has strived to make empathy and understanding for Stamford's newcomer families part of its ethos, helping to make us a more cohesive and compassionate community," a news release on the announcement said.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons spoke highly of Molina in a news release.

"Sgt. Molina exemplifies selflessness, compassion, service to others and is a role model to many. She is always going above and beyond the call of duty and I want to congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition," Simmons said.

The COTY Award began in 1945, and it was founded by Fred Robbins, a war veteran of World War I and World War II, after he settled in Stamford and became involved in community affairs. Robbins worked with Mayor Webster Givens to establish the award.

Givens appointed Post 142 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States to be the sponsoring organization for the award. Post 142 has been the sponsor on behalf of the city for 78 years, and in that time the award has honored 80 men and women who have served the Stamford community.

This year’s selection committee included

• Cathy Ostuw, Chair and 2019 Citizen of the Year.
• William Hennessey, 2023 Citizen of the Year.
• Jevera Kaye Hennessey, 2023 Citizen of the Year
• Stephen Fischer, Commander, Jewish War Veterans Post 142
• Mark Lyons, Member-at-large
• Denise Lyles, Member-at-large

"Adriana Molina has spent decades of her life making Stamford a safer and more welcoming place for everyone," Ostuw said in a news release. "An immigrant herself, she is a beloved ambassador to the city's immigrant community, working with churches and nonprofit organizations to break down barriers and increase understanding. She is very well deserving of the title of Citizen of the Year."

Molina is no stranger to awards. She was the 2015 Stamford Police Association's Officer of the Year and was named one of the "50 Most Influential Latinos in Connecticut" by Latinos United for Professional Advancement, also in 2015.

She was also recognized as one of three 2023 community Outreach Officers in 2023, presented by Simmons and sponsored by Synergy 1 Holdings and the Black Road Auto Club.

A dinner to honor Molina will be scheduled in the spring.

Read more on Molina and the COTY Award