Community Corner

East Hampton EnCon Officer to be Honored

Stanko to receive four awards.

 

Steve Stanko of East Hampton is one of 10 Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Officers and two civilians who will be recognized on Wednesday night for their exemplary work while protecting Connecticut’s environment.

Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Dan Esty said in a press release, “Tonight’s honorees – and all of our EnCon officers – are part of an outstanding law enforcement tradition that dates back more than a century. 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.

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“The officers we are honoring tonight have gone ‘the extra mile’ to fulfill their responsibilities and the people of our state can take great pride in their service.”

Officer Stanko, who serves the Eastern District, will receive a Medal for Meritorious Service, a Medal for Outstanding Service, Boating Officer of the Year and the Lifesaving Award.

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The Lifesaving Award is awarded to any person saving a person’s live or making a valiant attempt to do so.

On Nov. 11, 2011, Officers Stanko, Joe Ruggiero and Sergeant Chris Dwyer responded to Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden for a female who was lost in the park. A search was already underway for the lost 19-year-old by the Hamden Police and Fire departments. Hamden Police had contact with the lost female by phone and she appeared disoriented. 

Officers Stanko, Ruggiero and Sergeant Dwyer joined the search by foot on the trails and were able to locate items that were thought to be from the lost hiker.  Officer Stanko and Sergeant Dwyer continued up the mountain and after climbing a rocky outcropping of the trail near the northern boundary discovered the lost female lying on the ground in a thick cover of mountain laurel. 

The female appeared disoriented, suffering from hypothermia and could not stand or walk. The officers carried her for a significant amount of time to get her to medical personnel.

Recognition of Officer Stanko also includes his assistance in the apprehension of a Hebron bank robbery suspect, and safely stopping a drunk driver on Route 9 that led to an arrest for possession of narcotics, possession of a controlled substance, sale of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At the DEEP’s annual EnCon recognition ceremony at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, 18 awards in five categories will be handed out:

  • Medal for Meritorious Service: Sergeant James Wolfe of Old Lyme and Officers Joseph Ruggiero of North Branford, Keith Williams of New Hartford, Matt Stone of Old Saybrook, Tate Begley of Cornwall, Nicholas Miofsky of West Hartford, and Steve Stanko of East Hampton.  A Medal for Meritorious Service award bar with 2 gold stars will be permanently displayed on each officer’s uniform.
  • Medal for Outstanding Service: Officers Sean Buckley of Southbury, Keith Williams of New Hartford, Steve Stanko of East Hampton, John Marvin of Coventry and Michael Ralbovsky of Beverly, Massachusetts and Carl H. Hornbecker of Southbury.   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 Steve Stanko of East Hampton.
  • Lifesaving Award:  Sergeant Christopher Dwyer of Columbia, Officers Steve Stanko of East Hampton and Joseph Ruggiero of North Branford. 
  • Shikar-Safari Officer of the Year Award: Officer Keith Williams of New Hartford.


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