DEEP Honors Environmental Conservation Police Officers
PRESS RELEASE
DEEP Honors Environmental Conservation Police Officers:
Annual Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Performance
Exemplary efforts to protect public safety and environment cited
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) tomorrow night (April 17th) will recognize several of its Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officers for their exemplary work while protecting Connecticut’s citizens and the environment.
Ceremony will be held Wednesday April 17, 2013 – 6:00 PM at the Connecticut State Police Museum – Leo J. Mulcahy Complex, 294 Colony Street, Meriden
“Those we are honoring with these awards are part of an outstanding law enforcement tradition that dates back more than a century,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty. “Our officers play a unique role by performing traditional law enforcement duties as well as enforcing laws aimed at protecting this state’s natural resources and wildlife. This year’s awards include honoring eleven officers that responded to Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th and helped evacuate students and search the building on that horribly tragic day.”
At the DEEP’s annual EnCon recognition ceremony, to be held this year at the Connecticut State Police Museum in Meriden, Commissioner Esty will join EnCon Police Colonel Kyle Overturf in presenting nineteen awards in five categories:
• Unit Citations: Newtown School Shooting, Maine Warden Service Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, and the Hunting Related Shooting Incident Team. A Dispatcher Citation will be presented to three DEEP emergency dispatchers.
• Medal for Meritorious Service: Sergeant Matthew Tomassone of Goshen and Officers Paul Hilli of Goshen, Laura Pettus of Somers, Stephen Stanko of East Hampton, and Edward Yescott of Burlington. A Medal for Meritorious Service award bar with 2 gold stars will be permanently displayed on each officer’s uniform.
• Medal for Outstanding Service: Sergeant Christopher Dwyer of Columbia and Officers Scott Arsenault of Voluntown, Tate Begley of Sharon, Erin Crossman of Colebrook, Paul Hilli of Goshen, Laura Pettus of Somers, Todd Chemacki of Madison, Timothy Hill of Colebrook, and Nicholas Miofsky of West Harford. A Medal for Achievement award bar with one gold star will be permanently displayed on each officer’s uniform.
• Boating Officer of the Year: Officer Sean Buckley of Southbury.
• Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award: Sergeant James Kane of Waterford.
State Environmental Conservation Police
Known as “Special Game Protectors” when first created in 1895, the State Environmental Conservation Police are responsible for protecting the public and Connecticut’s natural resources through public education and outreach, prevention of crime and accidents and the enforcement of laws and regulations. EnCon officers work in three law enforcement districts - East, West and Marine - and nine areas of expertise: Fish and Game, Boating, Commercial Fishing, Wildlife Management, Parks and Forests, Recreational Vehicles, Search and Rescue, Homeland Security, and Public Outreach.
All EnCon officers are fully certified law enforcement officials with full arrest powers. In addition to traditional law enforcement duties, they have special responsibilities for protecting Connecticut’s natural resources and wildlife.
The EnCon police are a part of the DEEP’s Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and are under the command of Colonel Kyle Overturf.
2013 Conservation Officer Awards
Unit Citation Award - Western District
Newtown School Shooting
On December 14, 2012 a single gunman entered the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT and began shooting faculty and students. A total of 20 juveniles and six adults were shot and killed at the school by the gunman.
During the initial call of this incident a request for assistance was broadcast to all area law enforcement agencies. EnCon Police Captain Raul Camejo, Sergeant Keith Schneider, Sergeant Chris Dwyer and Officers Paul Hilli, Keith Williams, Jeff Bruno, Holly Bernier, Matt Stone, Tate Begley, John Hey and Sean Buckley responded. Officers Hilli and Williams arrived minutes after the initial call and helped evacuate hundreds of students from the building. At the time there were reports that there may have been two or three shooters involved and police assets were actively searching the school. As remaining EnCon Police officers arrived they deployed to lock down the perimeter of the building while a tactical team conducted a search of the entire building for additional suspects and victims. The EnCon Police maintained the perimeter of the scene until it was declared secured four hours after the shooting.
Maine Warden Service CISD
The nature and magnitude of the Sandy Hook school shooting was life altering. There were great concerns for the physical and mental health of responding officers after the event. The Maine Warden Services Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team (CISD) is known for its ability and dedication to assist officers in coping with major life altering events. On December 19, 2012 the Maine Warden Service CISD team members (Chaplain Braestrup, Lieutenant Thomas Ward, Sergeant Jason Luce and retired Lieutenant Bill Allen) responded to Connecticut and provided a day-long critical incident debrief to the eleven officers who responded to the school shooting.
The efforts put forth by the team were outstanding and truly began the healing process for our eleven Officers. It is with great honor that we recognize and present the Maine Warden Service, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team members the Medal for Outstanding Service and Achievement for their efforts in providing invaluable service to the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police.
Hunting Related Shooting Incident (HRSI) Team
On October 16, 2011 EnCon Police were dispatched to a hunting-related shooting that occurred at the Harwinton Rod and Gun Club property in Colebrook. The shooting involved three members of the club who were engaged in a field trial/dog training event when one of them was shot in the back resulting in his death. EnCon officers arrived on scene and assumed responsibility of the investigation from the Connecticut State Police. The EnCon HRSI Unit consisting of unit supervisor Sergeant Keith Schneider and officers Paul Hilli, Keith Williams and Nicholas Miofsky conducted the initial investigation. The investigation included a reconstruction of the incident and evidence recovery. The second part of the HRSI investigation continued for several months and included a walk-through reconstruction for the Litchfield County State’s Attorney, multiple search warrants, and an inspection/examination of the shotgun by certified firearms experts. The investigation resulted in determining the shooter’s location relevant to the deceased victim. An arrest warrant for the shooter was obtained on charges of first-degree negligent hunting.
The involved members of the HRSI unit demonstrated a level of expertise and attention to detail which led to a successful reconstruction and thorough investigation and criminal charges to the person responsible. The professionalism, knowledge and abilities of the HRSI Unit were recognized by the Litchfield County State’s Attorney when he designated the HRSI Unit as the lead investigative unit.
Dispatcher Citation
A Dispatcher Citation is being awarded to Robin Landry, Thomas Welch, and Michael Cox for their exemplary actions during the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Medal for Meritorious Service
The Medal for Meritorious Service shall be awarded to any person who renders service beyond the ordinary course of duty with alertness, perseverance, or timely judgment in the performance of a difficult task which results in the protection of life, the recovery of stolen property, the prevention or solving of a major crime, or the apprehension of an armed or dangerous person.
Sgt. Matthew Tomassone Officer Laura Pettus Officer Steve Stanko
On Sunday October 7, 2012 Officer Laura Pettus was on patrol at Shenipsit State Forest in Stafford on a complaint of illegal operation of All Terrain Vehicles. While investigating the complaint she came up upon a male who was displaying, in plain view, two handguns and a large ‘Bowie’ style knife on his person. She made contact with the male at which time she recalled that he matched the description of an earlier reported complaint of a man carrying a large knife on his belt who had brandished a firearm. This earlier incident had occurred within the same area. Upon investigation Officer Pettus confiscated said firearms and knife from the male and issued him an infraction for the violation.
Upon further investigation, Officer Pettus determined the suspect was the same person in both incidents. With Officer Stanko’s assistance, an arrest warrant was obtained and the man was arrested. Due to his strange actions and behaviors in both incidents Officers Pettus and Stanko applied for a risk warrant for the suspect and his home. The warrant was signed and on November 20, 2012 was executed with Sergeant Tomassone. Sergeant Tomassone organized and executed the multidepartment initiative to conduct the warrant service. Sergeant Tomassone’s safe and secure plan of approach into the suspect’s home resulted in a safe mission and the seizure of a grenade (which was later found to be inert) and seventy various types of firearms.
Officers Pettus and Stanko showed timely judgment in their actions by completing required tasks speedily and professionally. Sergeant Tomassone exuded a command presence which helped to maintain a safe environment while being involved in a high stress situation in an extremely challenging environment.
Sergeant Tomassone, Officer Pettus and Officer Stanko are all commended for their professional actions that resulted in the arrest of a criminal as well as the seizure of a large number of firearms.
Officer Paul Hilli Officer Edward Yescott
On July 19, 2012 Officers Hilli and Yescott were the primary investigators into a theft of antique machinery from the Farmington River Water Access area, Flood Gate Control House, located in Avon. The two male subjects dismantled three of the six flood control gates in the flood gate control house, stole 2,240 pounds of machine parts with an estimated value of seventy three thousand dollars and also caused an additional twenty-eight thousand dollars in damage and repair costs. They then sold the stolen items to a recycling scrap yard in Putnam.
Officer Hilli and Yescott’s thorough investigation resulted in a warrant arrest of both individuals on charges of larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and criminal mischief.
Officer Stephen Stanko
On March 6, 2012 Officer Stanko received information that a man had been shooting a firearm from a motor vehicle in Mashamoquet State Park in Pomfret. The initial information received was insufficient to make an arrest but Officer Stanko worked hard and diligently to establish leads.
Using law enforcement contacts Officer Stanko researched potential suspects and narrowed it to one suspect who had a criminal history which included a misdemeanor handgun disqualification. Officer Stanko developed specific information about the suspect and shared it with area police agencies. Two Connecticut State Police (CSP) Detectives, while en route to meet Officer Stanko regarding this case, saw the suspect’s vehicle and stopped his motor vehicle. The motor vehicle stop resulted in a custodial arrest for the suspect on felony charges. While the suspect was in custody, Officer Stanko obtained a full confession from the suspect relating to the illegal discharge of his firearm in Pomfret. Officer Stanko then applied for a felony arrest warrant which was signed and served in August 2012.
Officer Stanko’s hard work was recognized by the public when this agency received a letter of appreciation from a citizen who expressed gratitude for his work and thanked him for making the park a safe place to recreate.
Officer Stanko’s thorough investigation into a public safety complaint is recognized. He worked this case diligently considering the lack of information and developed information that led to a safer recreation area for the people of Connecticut. He is commended for his dedication in completing a difficult investigation.
PRESS RELEASE
DEEP Honors Environmental Conservation Police Officers:
Annual Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Performance
Exemplary efforts to protect public safety and environment cited
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) tomorrow night (April 17th) will recognize several of its Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officers for their exemplary work while protecting Connecticut’s citizens and the environment.
Ceremony will be held Wednesday April 17, 2013 – 6:00 PM at the Connecticut State Police Museum – Leo J. Mulcahy Complex, 294 Colony Street, Meriden
“Those we are honoring with these awards are part of an outstanding law enforcement tradition that dates back more than a century,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty. “Our officers play a unique role by performing traditional law enforcement duties as well as enforcing laws aimed at protecting this state’s natural resources and wildlife. This year’s awards include honoring eleven officers that responded to Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th and helped evacuate students and search the building on that horribly tragic day.”
At the DEEP’s annual EnCon recognition ceremony, to be held this year at the Connecticut State Police Museum in Meriden, Commissioner Esty will join EnCon Police Colonel Kyle Overturf in presenting nineteen awards in five categories:
• Unit Citations: Newtown School Shooting, Maine Warden Service Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, and the Hunting Related Shooting Incident Team. A Dispatcher Citation will be presented to three DEEP emergency dispatchers.
• Medal for Meritorious Service: Sergeant Matthew Tomassone of Goshen and Officers Paul Hilli of Goshen, Laura Pettus of Somers, Stephen Stanko of East Hampton, and Edward Yescott of Burlington. A Medal for Meritorious Service award bar with 2 gold stars will be permanently displayed on each officer’s uniform.
• Medal for Outstanding Service: Sergeant Christopher Dwyer of Columbia and Officers Scott Arsenault of Voluntown, Tate Begley of Sharon, Erin Crossman of Colebrook, Paul Hilli of Goshen, Laura Pettus of Somers, Todd Chemacki of Madison, Timothy Hill of Colebrook, and Nicholas Miofsky of West Harford. A Medal for Achievement award bar with one gold star will be permanently displayed on each officer’s uniform.
• Boating Officer of the Year: Officer Sean Buckley of Southbury.
• Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award: Sergeant James Kane of Waterford.
State Environmental Conservation Police
Known as “Special Game Protectors” when first created in 1895, the State Environmental Conservation Police are responsible for protecting the public and Connecticut’s natural resources through public education and outreach, prevention of crime and accidents and the enforcement of laws and regulations. EnCon officers work in three law enforcement districts - East, West and Marine - and nine areas of expertise: Fish and Game, Boating, Commercial Fishing, Wildlife Management, Parks and Forests, Recreational Vehicles, Search and Rescue, Homeland Security, and Public Outreach.
All EnCon officers are fully certified law enforcement officials with full arrest powers. In addition to traditional law enforcement duties, they have special responsibilities for protecting Connecticut’s natural resources and wildlife.
The EnCon police are a part of the DEEP’s Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and are under the command of Colonel Kyle Overturf.
2013 Conservation Officer Awards
Unit Citation Award - Western District
Newtown School Shooting
On December 14, 2012 a single gunman entered the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT and began shooting faculty and students. A total of 20 juveniles and six adults were shot and killed at the school by the gunman.
During the initial call of this incident a request for assistance was broadcast to all area law enforcement agencies. EnCon Police Captain Raul Camejo, Sergeant Keith Schneider, Sergeant Chris Dwyer and Officers Paul Hilli, Keith Williams, Jeff Bruno, Holly Bernier, Matt Stone, Tate Begley, John Hey and Sean Buckley responded. Officers Hilli and Williams arrived minutes after the initial call and helped evacuate hundreds of students from the building. At the time there were reports that there may have been two or three shooters involved and police assets were actively searching the school. As remaining EnCon Police officers arrived they deployed to lock down the perimeter of the building while a tactical team conducted a search of the entire building for additional suspects and victims. The EnCon Police maintained the perimeter of the scene until it was declared secured four hours after the shooting.
Maine Warden Service CISD
The nature and magnitude of the Sandy Hook school shooting was life altering. There were great concerns for the physical and mental health of responding officers after the event. The Maine Warden Services Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team (CISD) is known for its ability and dedication to assist officers in coping with major life altering events. On December 19, 2012 the Maine Warden Service CISD team members (Chaplain Braestrup, Lieutenant Thomas Ward, Sergeant Jason Luce and retired Lieutenant Bill Allen) responded to Connecticut and provided a day-long critical incident debrief to the eleven officers who responded to the school shooting.
The efforts put forth by the team were outstanding and truly began the healing process for our eleven Officers. It is with great honor that we recognize and present the Maine Warden Service, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team members the Medal for Outstanding Service and Achievement for their efforts in providing invaluable service to the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police.
Hunting Related Shooting Incident (HRSI) Team
On October 16, 2011 EnCon Police were dispatched to a hunting-related shooting that occurred at the Harwinton Rod and Gun Club property in Colebrook. The shooting involved three members of the club who were engaged in a field trial/dog training event when one of them was shot in the back resulting in his death. EnCon officers arrived on scene and assumed responsibility of the investigation from the Connecticut State Police. The EnCon HRSI Unit consisting of unit supervisor Sergeant Keith Schneider and officers Paul Hilli, Keith Williams and Nicholas Miofsky conducted the initial investigation. The investigation included a reconstruction of the incident and evidence recovery. The second part of the HRSI investigation continued for several months and included a walk-through reconstruction for the Litchfield County State’s Attorney, multiple search warrants, and an inspection/examination of the shotgun by certified firearms experts. The investigation resulted in determining the shooter’s location relevant to the deceased victim. An arrest warrant for the shooter was obtained on charges of first-degree negligent hunting.
The involved members of the HRSI unit demonstrated a level of expertise and attention to detail which led to a successful reconstruction and thorough investigation and criminal charges to the person responsible. The professionalism, knowledge and abilities of the HRSI Unit were recognized by the Litchfield County State’s Attorney when he designated the HRSI Unit as the lead investigative unit.
Dispatcher Citation
A Dispatcher Citation is being awarded to Robin Landry, Thomas Welch, and Michael Cox for their exemplary actions during the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Medal for Meritorious Service
The Medal for Meritorious Service shall be awarded to any person who renders service beyond the ordinary course of duty with alertness, perseverance, or timely judgment in the performance of a difficult task which results in the protection of life, the recovery of stolen property, the prevention or solving of a major crime, or the apprehension of an armed or dangerous person.
Sgt. Matthew Tomassone Officer Laura Pettus Officer Steve Stanko
On Sunday October 7, 2012 Officer Laura Pettus was on patrol at Shenipsit State Forest in Stafford on a complaint of illegal operation of All Terrain Vehicles. While investigating the complaint she came up upon a male who was displaying, in plain view, two handguns and a large ‘Bowie’ style knife on his person. She made contact with the male at which time she recalled that he matched the description of an earlier reported complaint of a man carrying a large knife on his belt who had brandished a firearm. This earlier incident had occurred within the same area. Upon investigation Officer Pettus confiscated said firearms and knife from the male and issued him an infraction for the violation.
Upon further investigation, Officer Pettus determined the suspect was the same person in both incidents. With Officer Stanko’s assistance, an arrest warrant was obtained and the man was arrested. Due to his strange actions and behaviors in both incidents Officers Pettus and Stanko applied for a risk warrant for the suspect and his home. The warrant was signed and on November 20, 2012 was executed with Sergeant Tomassone. Sergeant Tomassone organized and executed the multidepartment initiative to conduct the warrant service. Sergeant Tomassone’s safe and secure plan of approach into the suspect’s home resulted in a safe mission and the seizure of a grenade (which was later found to be inert) and seventy various types of firearms.
Officers Pettus and Stanko showed timely judgment in their actions by completing required tasks speedily and professionally. Sergeant Tomassone exuded a command presence which helped to maintain a safe environment while being involved in a high stress situation in an extremely challenging environment.
Sergeant Tomassone, Officer Pettus and Officer Stanko are all commended for their professional actions that resulted in the arrest of a criminal as well as the seizure of a large number of firearms.
Officer Paul Hilli Officer Edward Yescott
On July 19, 2012 Officers Hilli and Yescott were the primary investigators into a theft of antique machinery from the Farmington River Water Access area, Flood Gate Control House, located in Avon. The two male subjects dismantled three of the six flood control gates in the flood gate control house, stole 2,240 pounds of machine parts with an estimated value of seventy three thousand dollars and also caused an additional twenty-eight thousand dollars in damage and repair costs. They then sold the stolen items to a recycling scrap yard in Putnam.
Officer Hilli and Yescott’s thorough investigation resulted in a warrant arrest of both individuals on charges of larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and criminal mischief.
Officer Stephen Stanko
On March 6, 2012 Officer Stanko received information that a man had been shooting a firearm from a motor vehicle in Mashamoquet State Park in Pomfret. The initial information received was insufficient to make an arrest but Officer Stanko worked hard and diligently to establish leads.
Using law enforcement contacts Officer Stanko researched potential suspects and narrowed it to one suspect who had a criminal history which included a misdemeanor handgun disqualification. Officer Stanko developed specific information about the suspect and shared it with area police agencies. Two Connecticut State Police (CSP) Detectives, while en route to meet Officer Stanko regarding this case, saw the suspect’s vehicle and stopped his motor vehicle. The motor vehicle stop resulted in a custodial arrest for the suspect on felony charges. While the suspect was in custody, Officer Stanko obtained a full confession from the suspect relating to the illegal discharge of his firearm in Pomfret. Officer Stanko then applied for a felony arrest warrant which was signed and served in August 2012.
Officer Stanko’s hard work was recognized by the public when this agency received a letter of appreciation from a citizen who expressed gratitude for his work and thanked him for making the park a safe place to recreate.
Officer Stanko’s thorough investigation into a public safety complaint is recognized. He worked this case diligently considering the lack of information and developed information that led to a safer recreation area for the people of Connecticut. He is commended for his dedication in completing a difficult investigation.
Medal for Outstanding Service
The Division Medal for Outstanding Service or Achievement is awarded for successful performance of an extremely complex or difficult investigation, the demonstration of exceptional skill or ingenuity in the apprehension of a wanted person, outstanding service to the public or the agency, or to an officer who continuously achieves excellence in the performance of his or her duties over an extended time period.
Sergeant Christopher Dwyer
On August 26, 2012, State Police Western District Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle driving the wrong way on Interstate 84 in Waterbury.
Sergeant Christopher Dwyer overheard the broadcast on the state police radio system notifying troopers of the situation. Sergeant Dwyer located the vehicle and was able to safely stop the vehicle which was being operated by an elderly driver. After stopping the vehicle and determining that the operator was confused, Sergeant Dwyer escorted her off of the highway to the State Police.
Sergeant Dwyer’s prompt response to this incident provided outstanding service to the motoring public by helping to prevent any potential motor vehicle accidents on the highway due to the wrong way driver.
Officer Scott Arsenault Officer Laura Pettus
On Saturday April 21st EnCon officers responded to Mashapaug Lake in Union for a report of a boating accident with injuries. The accident involved a seventeen-foot power boat that allegedly ran aground with two people on board. Both victims were then transported to area hospitals for medical treatment where one of the victims later died as a result. Officer Laura Pettus and Officer Scott Arsenault conducted a complete and thorough lengthy investigation, including a Boating Accident Reconstruction Unit (BARU) investigation, into the incident which resulted in a warrant arrest for the operator of the seventeen-foot vessel for multiple boating and criminal violations. Both officers successfully conducted an extremely difficult and timely investigation using exceptional skill which resulted in the arrest. Officers Pettus and Arsenault are commended for their excellence in the performance of their duties.
Officer Tate Begley
During the summer of 2012, Kent Falls State Park became a particular concern due to the high volume of park patrons. Officer Begley took the time and initiative to spend countless hours patrolling the park. Officer Begley’s insight, dedication and rapport with park staff provided to be invaluable. Officer Begley continuously defused small park violations before they rose to a level of custodial arrest. His relationship with Connecticut State Police also proved invaluable when dealing with difficult situations. Officer Begley was also instrumental in initiating an alcohol ban at the park during the busiest season.
Officer Erin Crossman
On September 25, 2012 Officer Crossman and K-9 Ellie-Mae were called by the Connecticut State Police and requested to search for a suicidal person in Litchfield. Officer Crossman responded to the area and within one-half hour of tracking with Ellie-Mae located the suicidal person unharmed. This was the first successful track for the Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police new K-9 team.
On October 20, 2012 Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae, were again called by the Connecticut State Police and this time were requested to search for two fatigued elderly females that had become lost at Camp Columbia in Morris. Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae responded and began a track in search of the lost parties. The tired individuals were later found on an unmarked trail. The K-9 team was able to assist and lead the lost hikers out of the wooded area where they were evaluated by EMS and released on scene.
Three weeks later on November 10, 2012 Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae were dispatched to Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area. They were requested to search for a hunter who had acted in a threatening manner towards other hunters. Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae were able to find the individual hunting in a tree stand approximately three quarters of a mile from where he had parked his car. Due to the quick response of officer Crossman and her K-9 partner officers were able to locate and apprehend the violator.
Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae demonstrated perseverance and exceptional skill while providing outstanding service to the citizens of Connecticut.
Officer Paul Hilli
Officer Timothy Hill
Between April 4, 2012 and April 6, 2012 the Connecticut State Police and the Granby Police department received complaints of birds of prey being illegally injured and killed. The complaints included an osprey that was illegally shot and someone illegally shooting at a hawk from a parked motor vehicle. The witness reported the incident but provided an incorrect registration plate which failed to provide possible suspects. At the time there was insufficient information to act on the complaints.
Officer Hilli promptly investigated the case and coordinated efforts with Officer Hill and other fellow officers. The injured osprey was brought to a local veterinary hospital that determined it had been shot. Officer Hilli continued to work the case diligently and using other local law enforcement resources establish leads to the suspect’s vehicle description. Further investigative efforts produced the suspects who later admitted to shooting at the hawk with a BB gun-style rifle. Officer Hilli and Officer Hill took written statements from the suspects, who admitted to another shooting incident that occurred near the Connecticut River where a bird of prey was taken home and was eaten. They also found feathers in the suspect’s vehicle at which time the feathers were seized as evidence and tested by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agents. The feathers were later determined to be from a mourning dove, another non-game species which cannot be hunted in Connecticut.
Based on their thorough investigation Officer Hilli and Hill were able to make a warrant arrest on charges of hunting without a license, criminal attempt to commit, attempted killing of wild bird, illegal possession of wild bird and, weapons in a motor vehicle.
Officer Todd Chemacki
On September 3, 2009, EnCon Police personnel responded to a serious boating accident on Long Island Sound in the Town of Guilford. Upon arrival Officer Chemacki determined there was a fatality and other injured parties and became the investigating officer of the incident. On July 19, 2010, after a very lengthy investigation, Officer Chemacki arrested the boat operator on multiple charges. Due to the thoroughness, professionalism and outstanding work of Officer Chemacki the operator of the vessel pleaded no contest on July 2, 2012 to second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, and second-degree manslaughter with a vessel.
Officer Nicholas Miofsky
On May 30, 2012, Officer Miofsky investigated an illegal dumping incident at the White Memorial property in Morris. Large amounts of debris consisting of home goods, furniture, and home construction material, amounting to over 146 cubic feet of trash, had been dumped in two separate locations within the Teal Pond Trail Head area.
Officer Miofsky suspected that the debris was indicative of someone clearing out a basement or an attic. Located within one of the debris piles were documents addressed to a person in Morris. The address listed on the documents was in close proximity from the dump site. Upon further investigation, Officer Miofsky visited the address on the documents and was informed, by the resident of the property, that the paperwork belonged to her deceased husband. He was further informed that she recently had hired a man to perform minor repairs to her house and to clean out her basement and attic. Officer Miofsky’s investigation revealed that the suspect to this illegal dumping incident had been arrested twenty-six times for burglary and larceny and was currently on probation. The suspect was identified through photos and additionally was tied to the incident by sworn written statements. Officer Miofsky’s thorough investigation resulted in a warrant arrest of the suspect for illegal dumping/littering.
Boating Officer of the Year Award
The Boating Enforcement Officer of the year awards is presented annually to an officer of the Division whose efforts in boating safety and boating safety enforcement are deemed to have contributed significantly to the safety of recreational boaters in Connecticut.
Officer Sean Buckley
Officer Sean Buckley is a six-year veteran with the Division of State Environmental Conservation Police, currently assigned to the Southwest Sector of the Western District.
The Southwest sector contains Candlewood Lake, the largest inland water body in Connecticut with a surface area of 8.4 square miles and property including five different towns. Candlewood Lake has over 2,000 docks and 6,000 registered boats on the water. The majority of the shoreline contains single family homes as well as eleven marinas, shore-side restaurants and bars, and several public boat launches.
The EnCon Police Division is the primary law enforcement agency on Candlewood Lake responsible for boating enforcement. An EnCon Police Sergeant, EnCon Police Officer and two to three seasonal Special Conservation Officers are responsible for conducting the EnCon Police patrols and enforcement activity on the lake. To augment the EnCon Police boating patrols the Candlewood Lake Authority employs a seasonal lake patrol consisting of a number of part time Lake Patrol Officers. These lake patrol officers work under their own chain of command, however the EnCon Police Sergeant assigned to Candlewood Lake is also responsible for overall supervision of Lake Patrol Officer activities.
In 2011 Officer Buckley volunteered for the EnCon Police Officer assignment on Candlewood Lake. This assignment runs for the boating season from May through mid October. During the 2011 boating season Officer Buckley performed over 300 hours of dedicated boating patrols on the lake. In addition to enforcement of routine boating violations he made five arrests for boating under the influence (BUI). During an average year the EnCon Police routinely make between 5 to 10 BUI arrests statewide.
In June 2011 the Southwest Sector Sergeant retired from active duty and the Sergeant assigned to Candlewood Lake was reassigned from the lake to the sector. Officer Buckley was made an acting Sergeant and took over the responsibility of supervising the EnCon Police Special Conservation Officers and the Candlewood Lake Patrol Officers. In addition, he continued conducting boating enforcement patrols on the lake.
Officer Buckley’s positive attitude, drive and professionalism were demonstrated in his exceptionally high desire to ensure that the boating enforcement mission of the EnCon Police was successful on Candlewood Lake. As a result of his efforts enforcing boating laws, his BUI arrests, and his dedication to overseeing the division’s boating programs on this high profile state lake, Officer Sean Buckley is recognized as the recipient of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Boating Officer of the year for 2012 for the state of Connecticut.
Conservation Officer of the Year
Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award
The Shikar-Safari Club International, an organization that promotes wildlife conservation and protection, sponsors the Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award. The award recognizes and honors officers who have shown exemplary performance of their duties in the protection of wildlife, enforcement of game laws and implementation of conservation programs.
Sergeant James Kane
The Officer of the Year from the Eastern District for 2012 is Sgt. James Kane. A Department veteran of twenty seven years, Sgt. Kane was originally hired in the State Parks Division and transferred to the Law Enforcement Division in 1999. His first patrol assignment was in the Marine District and he was later promoted to Sergeant in October, 2009, supervising the Western Marine Sector until 2011 when he transferred to the Eastern Marine Sector. His current assignment covers the Connecticut shoreline from Rhode Island to the Connecticut River where he supervises four full time Conservation Officers and five Seasonal Conservation Officers (SCO’s).
Sgt. Kane’s diverse patrol sector includes a variety of enforcement activities including recreational fishing, hunting, shell fishing, park and forest, recreational vehicles, boating and commercial fishing. Sgt. Kane’s dedication to the Department is obvious in his pursuit of violations, particularly regarding his enforcement of the commercial fishing industry where he is responsible for the continuous monitoring of Connecticut’s commercial fishing fleet. In the past year Sgt. Kane was responsible for adhering to the Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), surpassing the required amount of patrol activities and referring numerous commercial violations to Special Agents of NMFS.
One particular investigation last fall stood out as an example of Sgt. Kane’s dedication, involving the illegal taking of striped bass in the Stonington area. An anonymous complainant called regarding two individuals who were spear fishing striped bass in Rhode Island waters but landing them in Connecticut, then transporting them out of state for commercial sale. The individuals were launching their vessel from Barn Island State Boat Launch in Stonington but off loading their catch at a private dock prior to returning to the launch to avoid scrutiny. The violators had speared twelve trophy-sized striped bass in total, four per person over the daily creel limit and they were bound for a destination out of Connecticut, to be sold commercially which is not permitted in Connecticut. Sgt. Kane’s coordination of the investigation and surveillance led to the arrest and prosecution of the two individuals while they were off loading the catch to a vehicle at a private residence.
Another example of Sgt. Kane’s unwavering dedication was his coordination of OP SAIL 2012 the largest maritime event ever held in Connecticut. OP SAIL was a four day festival from July 6th 9th celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 involving numerous multi-jurisdictional agencies, including the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Connecticut National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Transportation Security Authority, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and numerous municipal police departments, fire departments, harbormasters and private entities. Sgt. Kane was a member of the OP SAIL Public Safety and Security Committee and was instrumental in the planning of this event. He scheduled and coordinated the Department’s land and marine surface forces at Fort Trumbull, Fort Griswold, and Harkness Memorial State Park, was responsible for a vulnerability assessment and developed a security plan for the event in which nearly one-million people attended. He directly supervised efforts at Fort Trumbull, one of the three main venues for the celebration and was responsible for everything from providing security to dignitaries, participants and attendants, to scheduling and addressing logistical problems, all without a single security event. Sgt. Kane was part of the planning process for the event starting with meetings more than one year prior to the event.
Sgt. Kane is also a member of the Department of Homeland Security/Marine Support Network for the Port of New London regularly attending meetings and participating in security exercises, a member of the Millstone Nuclear Facility Security Committee where he regularly provides support to their disaster drills and exercises, a liaison to the United States Coast Guard/Station New London where he coordinates DEEP response to marine incidents, especially search and rescue and also is a liaison to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and their Officers. He also assists with maintaining patrol vessels by coordinating with the marine mechanic and has been active in Hurricane readiness planning.
In addition to his accomplishments Sgt. Kane has the respect of his superiors and subordinates and is often sought for his advice. He has proven himself to be reliable, available, professional and knowledgeable, all while forging excellent rapport with everyone from coworkers and colleagues in other jurisdictions, to maintaining courteous relations with the public. He also displays initiative and good time management. Sgt. Kane has proven to be a valuable asset to the EnCon Police Division and is deserving of the Officer of the Year award.
The Division Medal for Outstanding Service or Achievement is awarded for successful performance of an extremely complex or difficult investigation, the demonstration of exceptional skill or ingenuity in the apprehension of a wanted person, outstanding service to the public or the agency, or to an officer who continuously achieves excellence in the performance of his or her duties over an extended time period.
Sergeant Christopher Dwyer
On August 26, 2012, State Police Western District Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle driving the wrong way on Interstate 84 in Waterbury.
Sergeant Christopher Dwyer overheard the broadcast on the state police radio system notifying troopers of the situation. Sergeant Dwyer located the vehicle and was able to safely stop the vehicle which was being operated by an elderly driver. After stopping the vehicle and determining that the operator was confused, Sergeant Dwyer escorted her off of the highway to the State Police.
Sergeant Dwyer’s prompt response to this incident provided outstanding service to the motoring public by helping to prevent any potential motor vehicle accidents on the highway due to the wrong way driver.
Officer Scott Arsenault Officer Laura Pettus
On Saturday April 21st EnCon officers responded to Mashapaug Lake in Union for a report of a boating accident with injuries. The accident involved a seventeen-foot power boat that allegedly ran aground with two people on board. Both victims were then transported to area hospitals for medical treatment where one of the victims later died as a result. Officer Laura Pettus and Officer Scott Arsenault conducted a complete and thorough lengthy investigation, including a Boating Accident Reconstruction Unit (BARU) investigation, into the incident which resulted in a warrant arrest for the operator of the seventeen-foot vessel for multiple boating and criminal violations. Both officers successfully conducted an extremely difficult and timely investigation using exceptional skill which resulted in the arrest. Officers Pettus and Arsenault are commended for their excellence in the performance of their duties.
Officer Tate Begley
During the summer of 2012, Kent Falls State Park became a particular concern due to the high volume of park patrons. Officer Begley took the time and initiative to spend countless hours patrolling the park. Officer Begley’s insight, dedication and rapport with park staff provided to be invaluable. Officer Begley continuously defused small park violations before they rose to a level of custodial arrest. His relationship with Connecticut State Police also proved invaluable when dealing with difficult situations. Officer Begley was also instrumental in initiating an alcohol ban at the park during the busiest season.
Officer Erin Crossman
On September 25, 2012 Officer Crossman and K-9 Ellie-Mae were called by the Connecticut State Police and requested to search for a suicidal person in Litchfield. Officer Crossman responded to the area and within one-half hour of tracking with Ellie-Mae located the suicidal person unharmed. This was the first successful track for the Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police new K-9 team.
On October 20, 2012 Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae, were again called by the Connecticut State Police and this time were requested to search for two fatigued elderly females that had become lost at Camp Columbia in Morris. Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae responded and began a track in search of the lost parties. The tired individuals were later found on an unmarked trail. The K-9 team was able to assist and lead the lost hikers out of the wooded area where they were evaluated by EMS and released on scene.
Three weeks later on November 10, 2012 Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae were dispatched to Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area. They were requested to search for a hunter who had acted in a threatening manner towards other hunters. Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae were able to find the individual hunting in a tree stand approximately three quarters of a mile from where he had parked his car. Due to the quick response of officer Crossman and her K-9 partner officers were able to locate and apprehend the violator.
Officer Crossman and Ellie-Mae demonstrated perseverance and exceptional skill while providing outstanding service to the citizens of Connecticut.
Officer Paul Hilli
Officer Timothy Hill
Between April 4, 2012 and April 6, 2012 the Connecticut State Police and the Granby Police department received complaints of birds of prey being illegally injured and killed. The complaints included an osprey that was illegally shot and someone illegally shooting at a hawk from a parked motor vehicle. The witness reported the incident but provided an incorrect registration plate which failed to provide possible suspects. At the time there was insufficient information to act on the complaints.
Officer Hilli promptly investigated the case and coordinated efforts with Officer Hill and other fellow officers. The injured osprey was brought to a local veterinary hospital that determined it had been shot. Officer Hilli continued to work the case diligently and using other local law enforcement resources establish leads to the suspect’s vehicle description. Further investigative efforts produced the suspects who later admitted to shooting at the hawk with a BB gun-style rifle. Officer Hilli and Officer Hill took written statements from the suspects, who admitted to another shooting incident that occurred near the Connecticut River where a bird of prey was taken home and was eaten. They also found feathers in the suspect’s vehicle at which time the feathers were seized as evidence and tested by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agents. The feathers were later determined to be from a mourning dove, another non-game species which cannot be hunted in Connecticut.
Based on their thorough investigation Officer Hilli and Hill were able to make a warrant arrest on charges of hunting without a license, criminal attempt to commit, attempted killing of wild bird, illegal possession of wild bird and, weapons in a motor vehicle.
Officer Todd Chemacki
On September 3, 2009, EnCon Police personnel responded to a serious boating accident on Long Island Sound in the Town of Guilford. Upon arrival Officer Chemacki determined there was a fatality and other injured parties and became the investigating officer of the incident. On July 19, 2010, after a very lengthy investigation, Officer Chemacki arrested the boat operator on multiple charges. Due to the thoroughness, professionalism and outstanding work of Officer Chemacki the operator of the vessel pleaded no contest on July 2, 2012 to second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, and second-degree manslaughter with a vessel.
Officer Nicholas Miofsky
On May 30, 2012, Officer Miofsky investigated an illegal dumping incident at the White Memorial property in Morris. Large amounts of debris consisting of home goods, furniture, and home construction material, amounting to over 146 cubic feet of trash, had been dumped in two separate locations within the Teal Pond Trail Head area.
Officer Miofsky suspected that the debris was indicative of someone clearing out a basement or an attic. Located within one of the debris piles were documents addressed to a person in Morris. The address listed on the documents was in close proximity from the dump site. Upon further investigation, Officer Miofsky visited the address on the documents and was informed, by the resident of the property, that the paperwork belonged to her deceased husband. He was further informed that she recently had hired a man to perform minor repairs to her house and to clean out her basement and attic. Officer Miofsky’s investigation revealed that the suspect to this illegal dumping incident had been arrested twenty-six times for burglary and larceny and was currently on probation. The suspect was identified through photos and additionally was tied to the incident by sworn written statements. Officer Miofsky’s thorough investigation resulted in a warrant arrest of the suspect for illegal dumping/littering.
Boating Officer of the Year Award
The Boating Enforcement Officer of the year awards is presented annually to an officer of the Division whose efforts in boating safety and boating safety enforcement are deemed to have contributed significantly to the safety of recreational boaters in Connecticut.
Officer Sean Buckley
Officer Sean Buckley is a six-year veteran with the Division of State Environmental Conservation Police, currently assigned to the Southwest Sector of the Western District.
The Southwest sector contains Candlewood Lake, the largest inland water body in Connecticut with a surface area of 8.4 square miles and property including five different towns. Candlewood Lake has over 2,000 docks and 6,000 registered boats on the water. The majority of the shoreline contains single family homes as well as eleven marinas, shore-side restaurants and bars, and several public boat launches.
The EnCon Police Division is the primary law enforcement agency on Candlewood Lake responsible for boating enforcement. An EnCon Police Sergeant, EnCon Police Officer and two to three seasonal Special Conservation Officers are responsible for conducting the EnCon Police patrols and enforcement activity on the lake. To augment the EnCon Police boating patrols the Candlewood Lake Authority employs a seasonal lake patrol consisting of a number of part time Lake Patrol Officers. These lake patrol officers work under their own chain of command, however the EnCon Police Sergeant assigned to Candlewood Lake is also responsible for overall supervision of Lake Patrol Officer activities.
In 2011 Officer Buckley volunteered for the EnCon Police Officer assignment on Candlewood Lake. This assignment runs for the boating season from May through mid October. During the 2011 boating season Officer Buckley performed over 300 hours of dedicated boating patrols on the lake. In addition to enforcement of routine boating violations he made five arrests for boating under the influence (BUI). During an average year the EnCon Police routinely make between 5 to 10 BUI arrests statewide.
In June 2011 the Southwest Sector Sergeant retired from active duty and the Sergeant assigned to Candlewood Lake was reassigned from the lake to the sector. Officer Buckley was made an acting Sergeant and took over the responsibility of supervising the EnCon Police Special Conservation Officers and the Candlewood Lake Patrol Officers. In addition, he continued conducting boating enforcement patrols on the lake.
Officer Buckley’s positive attitude, drive and professionalism were demonstrated in his exceptionally high desire to ensure that the boating enforcement mission of the EnCon Police was successful on Candlewood Lake. As a result of his efforts enforcing boating laws, his BUI arrests, and his dedication to overseeing the division’s boating programs on this high profile state lake, Officer Sean Buckley is recognized as the recipient of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ Boating Officer of the year for 2012 for the state of Connecticut.
Conservation Officer of the Year
Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award
The Shikar-Safari Club International, an organization that promotes wildlife conservation and protection, sponsors the Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award. The award recognizes and honors officers who have shown exemplary performance of their duties in the protection of wildlife, enforcement of game laws and implementation of conservation programs.
Sergeant James Kane
The Officer of the Year from the Eastern District for 2012 is Sgt. James Kane. A Department veteran of twenty seven years, Sgt. Kane was originally hired in the State Parks Division and transferred to the Law Enforcement Division in 1999. His first patrol assignment was in the Marine District and he was later promoted to Sergeant in October, 2009, supervising the Western Marine Sector until 2011 when he transferred to the Eastern Marine Sector. His current assignment covers the Connecticut shoreline from Rhode Island to the Connecticut River where he supervises four full time Conservation Officers and five Seasonal Conservation Officers (SCO’s).
Sgt. Kane’s diverse patrol sector includes a variety of enforcement activities including recreational fishing, hunting, shell fishing, park and forest, recreational vehicles, boating and commercial fishing. Sgt. Kane’s dedication to the Department is obvious in his pursuit of violations, particularly regarding his enforcement of the commercial fishing industry where he is responsible for the continuous monitoring of Connecticut’s commercial fishing fleet. In the past year Sgt. Kane was responsible for adhering to the Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), surpassing the required amount of patrol activities and referring numerous commercial violations to Special Agents of NMFS.
One particular investigation last fall stood out as an example of Sgt. Kane’s dedication, involving the illegal taking of striped bass in the Stonington area. An anonymous complainant called regarding two individuals who were spear fishing striped bass in Rhode Island waters but landing them in Connecticut, then transporting them out of state for commercial sale. The individuals were launching their vessel from Barn Island State Boat Launch in Stonington but off loading their catch at a private dock prior to returning to the launch to avoid scrutiny. The violators had speared twelve trophy-sized striped bass in total, four per person over the daily creel limit and they were bound for a destination out of Connecticut, to be sold commercially which is not permitted in Connecticut. Sgt. Kane’s coordination of the investigation and surveillance led to the arrest and prosecution of the two individuals while they were off loading the catch to a vehicle at a private residence.
Another example of Sgt. Kane’s unwavering dedication was his coordination of OP SAIL 2012 the largest maritime event ever held in Connecticut. OP SAIL was a four day festival from July 6th 9th celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 involving numerous multi-jurisdictional agencies, including the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Connecticut National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Transportation Security Authority, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and numerous municipal police departments, fire departments, harbormasters and private entities. Sgt. Kane was a member of the OP SAIL Public Safety and Security Committee and was instrumental in the planning of this event. He scheduled and coordinated the Department’s land and marine surface forces at Fort Trumbull, Fort Griswold, and Harkness Memorial State Park, was responsible for a vulnerability assessment and developed a security plan for the event in which nearly one-million people attended. He directly supervised efforts at Fort Trumbull, one of the three main venues for the celebration and was responsible for everything from providing security to dignitaries, participants and attendants, to scheduling and addressing logistical problems, all without a single security event. Sgt. Kane was part of the planning process for the event starting with meetings more than one year prior to the event.
Sgt. Kane is also a member of the Department of Homeland Security/Marine Support Network for the Port of New London regularly attending meetings and participating in security exercises, a member of the Millstone Nuclear Facility Security Committee where he regularly provides support to their disaster drills and exercises, a liaison to the United States Coast Guard/Station New London where he coordinates DEEP response to marine incidents, especially search and rescue and also is a liaison to Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and their Officers. He also assists with maintaining patrol vessels by coordinating with the marine mechanic and has been active in Hurricane readiness planning.
In addition to his accomplishments Sgt. Kane has the respect of his superiors and subordinates and is often sought for his advice. He has proven himself to be reliable, available, professional and knowledgeable, all while forging excellent rapport with everyone from coworkers and colleagues in other jurisdictions, to maintaining courteous relations with the public. He also displays initiative and good time management. Sgt. Kane has proven to be a valuable asset to the EnCon Police Division and is deserving of the Officer of the Year award.