Middlebury Police Officer Receives Award for Meritorious Service

State Police Troopers from Troop A in Southbury, Troop B in North Canaan, Troop G in Bridgeport and Troop L in Litchfield received awards for service during a ceremony November 16 at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy in Meriden.

Twice a year, the Connecticut State Police honors Troopers who demonstrate bravery and outstanding service in the line of duty.  The ceremony also honors men and women serving in local and federal law enforcement agencies, those serving as first responders, and civilians.  Award winners received medals and certificates from Commissioner Reuben Bradford and State Police Colonel Danny R. Stebbins.

Middlebury Police Officer Alton Cronin received an award for Meritorious Service for being a part of the following operation:

On December 1, 2010, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force South Central Office, along with an undercover officer from the East Office, concluded a two-month investigation into a cocaine trafficking organization operating in the New Haven and Waterbury areas.  This case concluded with assistance from the Northwest and East Field Offices in conjunction with the Waterbury Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit.

Undercover Detectives were able to arrange for the purchase of a kilo of cocaine from the suspects at a hotel in Waterbury.  One of the suspects was taken into custody as he met with an undercover detective in a vehicle.  When detectives learned that the kilo and other suspects were in a hotel room, they gained access to the room and detained three more suspects. The room was secured and a search and seizure warrant was obtained.

Detectives seized 1,303 grams of cocaine, $7,535 in cash and a motor vehicle. The four individuals were charged with numerous narcotics-related violations. With the success of this investigation, a very large amount of illegal narcotics was taken out of the hands of drug dealers and therefore out of the community.

All involved in this investigation demonstrated a high degree of alertness, perseverance, and superior judgment in the performance of a difficult task.