Several Trumbull police officers were honored at an awards ceremony on May 16th for their work on the force over the past three years. The awards ceremony, which was held at The Original Vazzy’s, recognized officers for their accomplishments and outstanding work performance.
The following are a few of the awards that were presented by Chief Michael Lombardo and Lieutenant Kenneth Jones:
MERIT OF EXCELLENT ARREST AWARD:
Detective Sergeant Brian Falkenstein, Sergeant Michael Pires, and Officer Nicholas Van Fleet coordinated efforts during one evening shift, in February 2019, which lead to the arrest of five men. These officers’ actions lead to the recovery of two stolen vehicles, two loaded handguns, numerous bundles of heroin, and marijuana.
Officer Edward Bachiocchi and Officer James Marino captured two men during the late overnight hours in March 2018 after an armed home invasion on White Plains Rd., near Brock St. The arrests followed a high speed pursuit into Bridgeport, where the fleeing vehicle crashed. At that time, the suspects were taken into custody and a handgun was recovered.
Officer Joseph Iucci and Officer Ryan Tantimonico engaged in foot pursuit of an armed suspect who was involved in a motor vehicle accident near Frenchtown Rd. in May 2017. As officers closed in, one suspect took a fighting stance, reached for his waistband, and threatened to shoot the officers as he charged at them. Two suspects were eventually apprehended after a struggle ensued and a loaded firearm with a high capacity magazine was recovered.
ACHIEVEMENT IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AWARD:
Detective Sergeant Brian Falkenstein and Detective Scott Murray lead a shooting investigation in September 2017 that resulted in the arrest of two felons who had fired handguns into another vehicle traveling on Old Town Rd. near Quarry Rd. The officers pursued numerous leads, processed forensic evidence, conducted many interviews, and served various search warrants to complete a thorough investigation and charged the two men with Attempted Murder and various other charges.
LIFESAVING AWARD:
Officer Weston Bartosik and Officer Joseph Iucci provided life-saving medical treatment to a motorcycle operator who was suffering from serious injuries following a motor vehicle accident in the area of Frenchtown Rd., in September 2016. The victim was bleeding profusely so officers applied direct pressure and a tourniquet to the injuries which controlled the bleeding and the victim ultimately recovered. Without the officers’ aid, the victim would not have survived the accident.
UNIT CITATION AWARD:
Detective Sergeant Falkenstein, Detective Scott Murray, Detective Todd Edwards, Detective Edgar Perez, Detective Daniel Wheeler, Officer Targowski, K-9 Officer Carlson, and Officer Perkowski investigated the death of a resident resulting from a drug overdose in November 2018. Officers quickly made contact with the drug dealer to make arrangements and lure him in. When the drug dealer arrived he attempt to flee in a vehicle, but crashed into a police cruiser. Two suspects were apprehended inside of the suspect vehicle who were found to be in possession of a large quantity of drugs and money when they were arrested.
Detective Sergeant Brian Falkenstein, Detective Rocco Testi, Detective Scott Murray, Detective Edgar Perez, and Officer Gary Yocher investigated an attempted robbery and assault on an elderly person at Twin Brooks Park in November 2018, where the victim May 28, 2019 Page 3 had been knocked to the ground, beaten and kicked, suffering from serious injuries before the suspects fled in a vehicle. After analyzing surveillance video, conducting several interviews, and utilizing other investigative tools, the officers’ thorough and collaborative efforts eventually identified and arrested the three suspects responsible for the attempted robbery and assault.
Various other awards were presented for educational accomplishments and service awards to recognize those who have reached those milestones, including Sergeant James Arlio who had recently completed forty (40) years of service in the Trumbull Police Department.
This event was not only to recognize these officers for their fine work and dedication, but for others to understand the reality of situations that occur within their community. May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the police department plans to hold the awards ceremony annually, which falls during the time of National Police Week.