Police Department Recognizes Bravery And Merit With Service Awards

By Andrew Gorosko

At ceremonies last week, town police received police department awards for bravery, merit, service, honor, and educational achievement.

The police department distributed 41 awards to police officers and two awards to civilians in the ceremonies at Booth Library August 4. It was the first time that police had held an awards ceremony since 1995.

Sergeant George Sinko, who heads the police department’s awards committee, said, “Day in and day out, we’re doing a very dangerous job.” The awards are given to police to acknowledge that aspect of their work, he said.

First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal lauded the police for the service they provide to the town, commending them for their dedication. Newtowners are fortunate to live in a community as safe as it is, due to the work of town police, he said.

Police put themselves at risk each time they make a motor vehicle stop, go on a domestic violence call, or serve an arrest warrant, the first selectman said. Police risk their own safety as they protect the public’s safety, he said. Mr Rosenthal said he appreciates the work which police perform on behalf of the town.

Police Commission Vice Chairman Carol Mattegat said, “I think we have a very, very fine group of people. I hope the community is as proud as I am.”

Acting Police Chief Michael Kehoe said the police awards are intended to recognize excellent performance and to foster ”espirit de corps” within the police department. Recognizing police performance through awards creates good morale for worthy and dedicated police officers, he said. The awards committee spent much time researching who should receive the awards, he noted.

Two officers received awards for their work to limit damage to a burning house in Sandy Hook in May.

Patrolman Michael Brokaw received an award for bravery and Special Officer James Comerford received an award for merit.

Following a lightning strike at a Charter Ridge Road home, Officer Brokaw entered the burning house with a police fire extinguisher and knocked down the flames in a burning gable, significantly reducing the potential damage to the home. The residents of the house were out of the burning building before Patrolman Brokaw entered it to fight the fire.

“It is a very significant award for Officer Brokaw and he should be commended for that,” Acting Captain Kehoe said, noting that the commendation for bravery is not often awarded by the police department.

 Special Officer Comerford received an award for merit in connection with the incident. Officer Comerford aided Officer Brokaw in fighting the fire before firefighters had arrived on the scene. Mr Comerford used a garden hose to wet down the house’s exterior where flames were visible.

Also, Officer Brokaw received the department’s award for merit in connection for having discovered a nighttime fire in September 1996 at a Hawleyville doctor’s office and alerting firefighters of the blaze, thus reducing potential damage.

Detective Robert Tvardzik received an award for merit for leading the police department’s investigation into the July 1999 murder of 15-year-old Jason Gowdy in Sandy Hook.

Det Tvardzik led the murder investigation with confidence and determination under tremendous pressure, leading to the arrest of two people in the case, Acting Chief Kehoe said.

Also, Detective Joe Joudy received an award for merit for his investigatory work in the Gowdy case, involving surveillance work and following investigative leads.

The department gave former patrolman Jason Frank an award for merit in the Gowdy murder case, recognizing his investigatory work. Mr Frank is now a Danbury police officer.

Receiving the chief’s service award for their work in the Gowdy case were patrolmen Jeff Kovic, Robert Haas, Steve Ketchum, and Christopher Vadas.

 The police department issued Patrolman Dominick Salvatore an award for merit for extinguishing a nighttime arson fire in May 1999 at a building at a Botsford sand and gravel mine. His investigatory work led to a search of a suspect’s home in which homemade bombs were uncovered. Patrolman Salvatore pursued leads which resulted in the arrest of suspects in the case.

Two officers received certificates of commendation for their patrol work, which resulted in a drug dealer arrest in June 1999. They are patrolmen Scot Ruszczyk and William Hull. The motor vehicle stop resulted in the seizure of a large amount of cocaine, some marijuana, and cash.

Also, 21 officers received honorable and meritorious service awards for their years of service on the police department.

Seven officers received the department’s education award for receiving college degrees.

The police department recognized two citizens for public service, presenting them with Anita M. Goosman Awards.

Castle Meadow Road resident Donald Butler received the award for a July 1999 incident in which he pulled a person from a burning motor vehicle following an accident on Castle Meadow Road.

Ryan Scherb, an 18-year-old Redding resident who is an emergency medical technician, received the award for his actions at a fatal motorcycle accident on South Main Street in Botsford last April.