NEW MILFORD — Rita Neufeld-Gregory is delighted that her famous grandfather’s iconic painting of the bandstand on the town green against the backdrop of Town Hall inspired the design of a new uniform patch for the police.
The Roxbury kindergarten teacher said she knows her grandfather would be proud that his artistry was adopted by town police. The new patch includes a slice of the painting topped with an American eagle and flag.
“He painted what he loved, and he loved New Milford,” said Gregory, who accepted a certificate of appreciation from Lt. William Scribner during the Police Department’s award ceremony at the Community Ambulance facility Friday.
The new patch design was on display not only on officer uniforms, but also in a poster at the front of the room and as the centerpiece of a cake for the standing-room-only guests.
There was also a special recognition of retired and former police officers, including longtime retired Police Chief Ted Adams.
Scribner said the new department symbol, designed by Officer Brian Bollaro, speaks to the town’s heritage.
“It says everything we were looking for,” Bollaro said of Neufeld’s painting. “I love it. It came out better than I anticipated.”
New Milford Police Department awards
Chief’s citation Award: Dispatcher Christian Strolin
Life Saving Award: Lt. William Scribner, Sgt. James Brady, Officer Brian Bollaro, Officer Richard Begnoche and Officer Daniel Wilczek
Meritorious Service Award: Officer Nicholas Smith, Officer Mark Lynch (2) and Officer Brian Peloso
Letter of Commendation: Officer Edward DeLisle and Officer Robert Guilbeault
Letter of Recognition: Lt. William Scribner, Sgt. James Dzamko, Officer Brian Bollaro and Officer Nicholas Smith
Unit citation awards: Lts. Larry Ash (3) and William Scribner (2); Sgts. Brian Glasser(2), Edward Hannan (3) Earl Wheeler (2), Lee Grabner (2), John Pecha; Investigators Scott Flockhart (4), Carla Tencza (3), James Mullin (2) and Corey Thomen (2); retired Investigators Larry Lynch and William Kaminski; Officers Mark Lynch (2), Kevin O’Neill, Ronald Young, Louis Taranto, Steven Palmer (2), Katherine Massicotte (2), Daniel Wilczek (2), Richard Begnoche, Jeannine Muckle, Nicholas Smith, Raymond White (2), Stefan Adamcik, Michael Lafond, Robert Guilbeault, Henry Marino and Mark Williams
Citizen Award: Ray Crawford
Special recognitions: The Neufeld family, Fat City Sportstitch, Pineman Sign Co.; Capt. Mark Buckley and Chief Shawn Boyne
Department leaders also recognized Pineman Sign Co. and Fat City Sportstitch for design work used on the new black-and-white police cruisers with a Green Wave stripe on the side and the American flag and town flag on the sides.
At a time set aside to celebrate the achievements of department officers and civilian personnel over the last year, Mayor Patricia Murphy said the ceremony was just a “small measure of the gratitude this community has for your service.”
“From our heart to yours,” Murphy said.
Hired in October, Police Chief Shawn Boyne has overseen several opportunities in recent months to celebrate department successes, including the promotions of his administrative team and the hiring of several new officers.
He said the commitment of so many in times of crisis is noteworthy and builds on a solid foundation of service to the community.
Boyne said he expects he and his fellow officers to be civic leaders, public servants who set the highest standards of conduct and embrace the community and its citizens in everything they do.
In a sign of respect to those they serve, the department on Friday delivered a Citizen Award to Ray Crawford, a man who has steadfastly proved a cheerleader for the new administration.
Seated in the front row, Crawford said he was “surprised and honored.”
With the new administration, Capt. Mark Buckley said the mission is productivity, results and an unrelenting commitment to public service.
In all, 68 officers and civilian staff were honored.
A final award was presented to Boyne.
“You have inspired our personnel and earned their respect,” Buckley said. “We are no longer an organization in transition.”