East Hartford Police Name Officer of the Year for 2016 and 2017
The East Hartford Police Department is proud to announce the selection of Officer Marc Caruso as Officer of the Year for 2016, and Detective Patrick Sullivan as Officer of the Year for 2017.
Officer of the Year 2016 – Officer Marc Caruso
Officer Caruso (left) began his career in 2002, and has twice been assigned as a School Resource Officer (SRO), a position he currently serves at the East Hartford High School. A member of the Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team since 2008, he’s also a Field Training Officer and a part-time Marine Patrol Officer. Officer Caruso is highly regarded and has been recognized on numerous occasions throughout his career, receiving a Distinguished Service Citation, two Meritorious Service Citations, and a Letter of Commendation. Officer Caruso also serves on the Police Union’s Retirement Committee helping to organize the East Hartford Police Union’s Annual Banquet honoring the sworn officer retirees from the previous year. He is a welcome presence in East Hartford schools, where he has spent much of his career mentoring young members of the East Hartford community, and helping them connect positively with police. He is both well-liked and respected amongst his peers, and he is recognized as the East Hartford Police Department 2016 Officer of the Year.
Officer of the Year 2017 – Detective Patrick Sullivan
Detective Sullivan (right) began his career in 2002 serving five years in the Patrol Division before transfering to the Criminal Investigations Bureau where he served as a Criminal Investigator. In 2011 he returned to Patrol where he was assigned as a Field Training Officer. In 2015 he was promoted to Detective, and returned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau where he works to this day. Detective Sullivan also serves on the Department’s Tactical Response (SWAT) Team. During his career he has received multiple awards including a Bravery Citation, two Distinguished Service Citations, and a Military Service Citation for his service in the U.S. Army, as well as three Letters of Commendation. Detective Sullivan was the lead investigator in the notorious Bednarz triple-homicide case in 2010. Detective Sullivan and members of the Criminal Investigations division worked tirelessly investigating that case and the suspect, Brett Bednarz, and also assisted in the successful prosecution and conviction of Bednarz. Detective Sullivan received another Meritorious Service Citation for his work on that case.
“The efforts and commitment of Officer Caruso and Detective Sullivan to serve and connect with our community throughout their careers is remarkable, said East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom. “These officers represent our mission, and the fine quality of work conducted by the men and women of the East Hartford Police Department. We’re very proud of Officer Caruso and Detective Sullivan.”
Detective Sullivan will be honored at the 21st Annual Salute to Connecticut’s Finest Awards Dinner occurring on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Aqua Turf Conference Center, Mulberry Street, Plantsville, Connecticut. The event is sponsored in part by the East Hartford Exchange Club, and recognizes outstanding Police Officers from the numerous Connecticut communities in which local Exchange Clubs are active. Officer Caruso was honored at last year’s event.
Officer Caruso and Detective Sullivan will also be honored by the East Hartford Police Department at the department’s awards ceremony being held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 4:00 PM at East Hartford Police Department headquarters, 31 School Street, East Hartford. The event is open to the public. All are welcome.