NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck Police Department held an awards ceremony April 17 at City Hill Middle School to honor officers who have displayed superior performance in carrying out their duties over the past few years.
The evening was highlighted by a touching moment between Watertown police Officer Frank Esposito and Naugatuck police Officer Danielle Parady.
Esposito received the Medal for Meritorious Service for the aid he gave to Parady in August of 2011 in the parking lot of the Walmart on New Haven Road. Parady suffered a medical emergency and was only able to put out a partial call for assistance before blacking out and collapsing next to her cruiser.
All on duty Naugatuck officers began searching for Parady based on the partial information she provided and moments later Esposito, who was off duty, discovered her in the parking lot. Esposito called 911 and provided medical assistance to Parady utilizing her medical bag and equipment located in the trunk of her cruiser until police and other emergency units arrived.
Doctors found cancer in Parady’s lungs and brain soon after. She has been battling the cancer since and returned to work earlier this year.
Esposito received a standing ovation during the ceremony and he shared an embrace with Parady on stage when he received his award.
“On behalf of all the members of the Naugatuck Police Department, we wish to thank Officer Esposito for his selfless efforts and the performance of duty under very difficult and trying circumstances by caring for our sister officer in her time of need,” Naugatuck police spokesman Lt. Bryan Cammarata said in a press release.
The following officers were honored during the ceremony:
Medal for Meritorious Service
Officer R. Burns
Watertown Officer Frank Esposito
Life Saving Medal
Lt. B. Newman
Sgt. R. Ireland
Sgt. D. Vostinak
Det. S. Simpson
Det. P. Markette
Officer B. Coney
Officer I. Kosky
Officer M. Robinson (2)
Officer N. Kehoss
Officer J. Julian
Seymour Officer Don Scheithe and K-9 Raider
Dispatcher Kelly Orsini
Medal for Outstanding Service
Sgt. P. Bosco
Det. A. Devan
Officer C. McAllister
Unit Citation
Capt. T. Brouillette
Lt. S. Hunt
Lt. B. Newman
Lt. R. Hunt
Sgt. P. Bosco
Sgt. D. Vostinak
Det. S. Simpson
Det. J. DeOliviera (2)
Det. K. Zainc
Training Officer M. Jacoboski (2)
Officer R. Byrne
Officer M. DaSilva (2)
Officer R. Burns
Officer J. Slavin
Officer D. Norck
Officer M. Wawrzyniak
Officer D. Bailey
Officer A. Moutella
Officer L. Martinez
Dispatcher D. Dutton
Dispatcher M. Desmarais
