Police Honored For Public Service

By Andrew Gorosko

The police department bestowed 18 awards to town police officers this week at ceremonies intended to honor their work in the field of public safety and law enforcement.

Detective division members received a certificate of commendation for their heightened work in the area of drug enforcement. Receiving that award were Detectives Joseph Joudy, Robert Koetsch, and Jason Frank. The drug enforcement project involved surveillance, the development of confidential informants, and the undercover purchases of drugs. The effort led to seizures of drugs and illicit cash, as well as several arrests, including that of a local heroin supplier.

Police also honored patrol Officer Leonard Penna for his quick action last January, which aided in the rapid arrest of two males who had vandalized a local drug store in the nighttime.

Receiving the police chief’s service award for their work in the field of crime prevention were officers Andrew Stinson, Maryhelen McCarthy, and David Kullgren.

Sergeant Christopher Vanghele received a service award for his work on obtaining government grant money for the police department. Sgt Vanghele also runs the police department’s Citizen Police Academy program.

Sergeant John Cole received a service award for his work in managing the police department’s animal control division.

Patrol Officer Louis Ferreira received an award for his work with the state police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force.

Officer Jason Flynn received the police department’s education award for completing a college degree program.

Police also honored Animal Control Officer George Mattegat, who soon plans to retire following a long career with the police department.

Receiving longevity awards were Detective Sergeant Robert Tvardzik, 30 years; Police Chief Michael Kehoe, 25 years; Sgt Cole and School Resource Officer Steve Ketchum, 15 years; Sergeant Douglas Wisentaner, ten years; and Det Koetsch, Officer Ferreira, Officer Jeff Silver, and Officer Richard Robinson, five years.