East Hartford Police Officer Joseph Ficacelli and Officer Jason Wagner of Manchester were both recipients of the 2009 “Finest Police Officer of the Year” award. Both Officer Ficacelli and Officer Wagner were presented plaques and proclamations from their respective towns as well as from the East Hartford Exchange Club, sponsor of the awards.
Family, friends and collegues of both Manchester and East Hartford police departments were on hand to appalud the accomplishment, including East Hartford Police Chief Mark Sirois and Manchester Police Chief James Berry.
Greetings from State Sen Gary D. LeBeau and Hartford St. Senator John W. Fonfara opened the evening. Both state senators congratulated the two Officers, then read a state Legislative Proclamation submitted on behalf of the entire East Hartford state legislative delegation in honor of the officers.
Sen. Fonfara read: “Let it hereby be known to all that this Assembly offers sincere “Congratulations” for a job well done. You have demonstrated great courage and have always gone above and beyond the call of duty. We honor you and thank you.” It was signed by all the East Hartford legislators as well as Sen. Fonfara, who represents Wethersfield and South Hartford.
Mayor Melody Currey presented a proclamation on behalf of the town of East Hartford to Officer Ficacelli.
Chief Sirois noted Officer Ficacelli's well-regarded performance on the East Hartford police force since being hired in 2003.
"Officer Ficacelli will always go the extra mile to see a case through," said the chief. "His keen sense of criminal behavior has resulted in numerous arrests, many of them armed and dangerous criminals.”
With a smile, Chief Sirois concluded by saying, “For his dedication and efforts, Officer Joseph Ficacelli has been selected as Officer of the Year for 2009.”
Officer Ficacelli accepted the award, saying, “I would like to thank Chief Sirois, Chief Murphy, my fellow officers, family and friends, and members of the Exchange Club: Thank you very much for this award.”
Jeffrey Beckman, Director for the Town of Manchester, introduced himself and spoke on behalf of Mayor Spadeccini of Manchester: “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester, we sincerely thank Officer Jason Wagner for his outstanding performance as Officer of the Year for 2009.”
Officer Wagner was then presented with a proclamation from Manchester as everyone applauded.
Manchester Police Chief James Berry then stepped to the podium. Chief Berry described how Officer Wagner excelled in the areas or narcotics investigations as well as taking a "pro-active approach" to ongoing quality-of-life issues in the neighborhoods he was assigned.
“Officer Wagner’s ability to be tough on crime while earning the respect of the community is the goal of every Community Policing Unit in the country," observed Chief Berry. "Officer Wagner continually exceeds expectations with his professional manner, and is a tremendous mentor for the Explorers in Manchester as well.”
Applause resounded as Officer Wagner received his award.
Officer Wagner thanked Chief Berry, Manchester Director Beckman, his fellow police officers, family and friends, for the recognition and the award.
Officer Ficacelli and Officer Wagner, along with their family and friends, joined Exchange Clubs from throughout Connecticut May 28 during a special recognition ceremony at the Aqua Turf in Southington.
Exchange Clubs across America sponsor a wide variety of activities including improving communities, preventing child abuse, helping the disadvantaged and encouraging good American citizenship. Visit us at www.easthartfordexchange.org
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