At the Newtown Police Department's 2016 Awards & Decorations Ceremony, held on May 18, to recognize notable achievements in the field of law enforcement, the police department bestowed many awards to officers and others for excellence in the field of public safety.Two Shifts

First Selectman Pat Llodra termed the event "a long overdue celebration of excellence."

"The level of excellence needs to be recognized and celebrated," she said. "We are extraordinarily proud of every single one of our police officers," said Mrs Llodra.

Police Commission Chairman Joel Faxon said of the many awards given to police, "It shows what we have in terms of across-the-board excellence."

Police Chief James Viadero said the awards seek to honor those who serve in police work on a day-to-day basis. Also, he thanked the families of police officers for the sacrifices they make in their lives.

Among the many honors, the department's Awards & Decorations Committee gave Officer Michael McGowan its Law Enforcement Excellence Award.

The committee stated it presented the award in recognition of Ofc McGowan's sustained work ethic and exemplary performance, which has had a marked positive effect on the mission of the Newtown Police Department.

The committee stated that Ofc McGowan is consistently sought by his peers for advice and assistance with complex cases. His sense of initiative and his positive attitude have made him a leader in the department and someone who is viewed with great respect, the committee found.

The committee pointed to Ofc McGowan's work during he past year in interrupting a potentially violent road rage incident, in locating and assisting a suicidal motor vehicle operator, and in aiding the detective bureau with a significant investigation into white-collar crime.

Ofc McGowan, 43, joined the police department in 2000.

Also, the committee gave the Commissioners' Service Award to Lieutenant David Kullgren.

The committee stated that Lt Kullgren identified the need for a computerized police scheduling system. He researched the topic, including seeking advice on the matter from officers. After obtaining funding for the project, the necessary software was put in place, resulting in a streamlined scheduling/payroll system for the police department, the committee stated. Lt Kullgren also implemented a new computer-based report-writing system for the department.

Lt Kullgren, 46, joined the police department in 2001.

Receiving the Life Saving Award were Sergeant Aaron Bahamonde, Detective Jason Frank and Officer Jason Flynn. The three policemen received that award for their work in connection with a November 2014 incident in Sandy Hook in which a woman threatened suicide. Police were able to locate her through the use the Global Positioning System coordinates, which were emitted by the woman's cellphone, and then prevented her death.

Receiving the Award for Bravery was Officer John McDermott.

Ofc McDermott responded in December 2015 to a nighttime home invasion on Andras Road, where he encountered a gunman. Ofc McDermott ordered the gunman to put down his weapon, after which the man surrendered to police.

The bravery award is given to police who demonstrate heroism on duty while exposed to life-imperiling danger.

Officers Matthew Hayes and Felicia Figol each received the Chief's Service Award.

Ofc Hayes was honored for his work in organizing the police department's color guard, which represents the department at ceremonies.

Ofc Figol was honored for her work as the department's dog handler.

Receiving Certificates of Commendation were Sergeants Scott Ruszczyk and Bahamonde, Officers William Chapman, Steven Borges, Liam Seabrook, Figol, McGowan and McDermott, Detective Daniel McAnaspie and Sergeant Scott Smith.

All members of the day shift on May 8, 2015, and all members of the day shift on January 13, 2016, received Certificates of Commendation.

On May 8, 2015, police responded to a report of a man with a gun near King's Restaurant on South Main Street.

The 5/8/15 commendation went to: Officers Fernando Pereira, Benjamin Mulhall, Adam James, Flynn, McGowan and Figol, police dog St Michael, Sergeant Matthew Wood and Detectives Joseph Joudy and McAnaspie

On January 13, 2016, police responded to a report of a suicidal man in the Oakview Road area.

The 1/13/16 commendation went to: Officers John McCluskey, Michael Caramadre, MaryHelen McCarthy, William Hull, Benjamin Mulhall, Bart Lorancaitis, Adam Greco, Adam James, Matthew Pirhala, Paula Wickman, Chapman, Flynn, McDermott, Seabrook and Hayes; Sergeants Scott Smith, Bahamonde, Ruszczyk and Wood; Lieutenants Christopher Vanghele, Richard Robinson and Kullgren; Det Frank; Chief Viadero and Captain Joe Rios.

Receiving Awards for Merit were Officers William Crone, Charles Guernsey, Lorancaitis, Pirhala, McDermott, Flynn, James and Seabrook.

The committee presented Education Awards for educational achievement to six officers. They are Sgt Smith (law degree), Chief Viadero (master's degree), and Officers Stephanie Vegerano, Pereira, Crone, and James (bachelor's degrees).

Police presented members of Newtown Police Cadets Post 823 with the Anita M. Goosman Memorial Award for civilians who assist police. The cadets were presented with an ATV, donated by an anonymous benefactor, which will be used by cadets when assisting police at events.

The police awards committee is headed by Sgt Scott Smith. Also serving are Lt Robinson and Officers Hayes, Penna and Flynn.