Vernon Cop Who Saved 4 Lives And Ate Zero Doughnuts Retires

VERNON, CT — Earl Middleton, a popular and decorated member of the Vernon police department who is credited with saving four lives and eating zero doughnuts in his 23-year career, officially retired from the force Friday.

Middleton will become the new school resource officer in Stafford. Friends and colleagues celebrated his local career in an emotional ceremony Friday. He received numerous commendations and awards in Vernon during his career and was known for reviving and refining the school resource officer's role in the school system and under Chief James Kenny.

"He was the first SRO under me," Kenny said. "We needed someone who would be a positive influence on the kids, especially those who did not have that person in their lives, and Earl was it."

How cool was Middleton during his 2008 to 2012 tenure? He formed a band that played with the students at several events.

He is credited with having saved four lives with his CPR skills and that figure is likely higher since the VPD started keeping track of such statistics after he was on the job.

Middleton was also known for his compassion. Several years ago, he responded to a motor vehicle crash in town during which a car had flipped onto its roof. He calmly crawled under the car and hung out with the driver to keep her calm and comfortable until emergency crews could get her out.

Middleton said his parents were on the fence about him becoming a police officer, but he always knew it was a calling.

"I've seen a lot. I've smelled a lot. I've touched a lot," he said. "I'm proud to have been part of this department. I'm proud of being a police officer."

Middleton also said he and his colleagues have done things right over the years.

"We all arrived home safely," he said. "And the bad guys arrived home safely, or to jail safely. We were able to do policing right and I'm proud to have been a part of this."

Before Middleton left the ceremony, one final matter had to be taken care of — the doughnuts.

When Middleton was sworn in, he was well, in better shape that most recruits after coming off an intercollegiate swimming career at Southern Connecticut State University. He swore he would not have a doughnut as a cop.

Colleagues teased him. His son tempted him, and Lord knows how many doughnut places are in the area. Still, Middleton refused to eat one.

The boycott ended with a thud on Friday.

"On Sept. 14, 1997, I had my last doughnut," Middleton said. "Today ... I'm gonna eat me a damn doughnut."

And he did.

The laughter, the tears and the applause accentuated the smile on Middleton's face as he bit down onto the glazed treat. It was a fitting sendoff for a cop known for more than two decades for his sweetness and dedication.

Retiring Vernon police officer Earl Middleton (at far right) had his first doughnut in more than two decades Friday. (Chris Dehnel/Patch)