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Mayor and Chief of Police Recognize Outstanding Officers at May 28th Awards Night

Posted on: June 1, 2015 - 9:46am

(May 29, 2015) East Hartford, CT – At the annual East Hartford Police Awards ceremony, held Thursday night in the Public Safety Complex, Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc and Police Chief Scott Sansom had the honor of congratulating and celebrating the achievements of East Hartford’s Police Department.

Mayor Leclerc was on hand to personally congratulate each and every one of the officers, who were the recipients of the 38 awards given out and voiced her pride in all that they do.

“These men and women put their lives on the line every time they put on that uniform and go to work,” Mayor Leclerc said. “Tonight was just a small token of the appreciation the town, myself and all the citizens hold for these courageous police department members.”

The key award of the night was Officer of the Year, given to Officer Matthew J. Parlapiano. Officer Matthew Parlapiano joined the East Hartford Police Department on June 10, 1991.  He worked in the Patrol Division until 1999, when he was then assigned as an Investigator in the Criminal Investigations Unit, where he served for many years.  He currently works in the Field Operations Bureau as the Private Duty Hiring Officer.  He has received several commendations and accolades from his peers and citizens alike. 

In 2003, he was recognized for his work on a joint task force to combat a multi-jurisdictional robbery crime spree.  Officer Parlapiano has received two Distinguished Service Citations for two separate armed robbery incidents.  Officer Parlapiano has earned a reputation amongst his supervisors and peers as being enthusiastic, dedicated and thorough. 

Among the other awards handed out were the Distinguished Service Citation, the Meritorious Service Citation and the Life Saving Citation.

Chief Sansom, who has been at the helm of the East Hartford Police Department for the past year and a half, was proud of all the officers honored last night and has looked forward to this ceremony, which gives him a chance to celebrate their work.

“Day in and day out my officers do a tremendous job,” Chief Sansom said.  “I am very proud of them and this is the day that we can recognize their efforts”.