Veteran New Canaan Police Officer Receives Prestigious Award

NEW CANAAN, CT — Officer Rex Sprosta, a 16-year veteran of the New Canaan Police Department, has been named the 2020 recipient of the department's Lt. Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year award, Chief Leon Krolikowski announced.

Sprosta, who is also a United States Marine veteran, currently serves as the New Canaan department's Field Training Officer in the Patrol Division.

He is also an acting sergeant; leads the Bicycle Patrol Unit; also leads the physical fitness program and safety seat installation efforts. Additionally, Sprosta is one of the department's dispatchers.

"One of the most important programs he helped spearhead was our Peer Support Program," Krolikowski said in a statement. "Officer Sprosta's professionalism, calm demeanor, and willingness to listen to others are invaluable traits that make him a perfect fit for this program. Whether on or off duty, he is always willing to assist his fellow officers through difficult situations. He has exceptional mentoring skills and is dedicated to helping and supporting his fellow officers."

The Lt. Stephen W. Wood Officer of the Year award was created in 2014 in honor of the late Marine and lieutenant, who served New Canaan from 1977 to 2009. It is presented each year to the officer who exhibits "exceptional work, integrity, and overall service" to New Canaan and the department.

"Our Department is better because of Officer Sprosta's contributions to his fellow officers and the New Canaan community," Krolikowski said. "He is one of our very best officers, and he takes pride in wearing our uniform and coming to work to serve the community.

"Attitude is everything. Rex has a professional, caring, and cooperative attitude, which are qualities that we all should emulate."

In addition to Officer Sprosta, five other members of the department were nominated for this year's award:

• Sergeant Peter Condos
• Officer Bryan Connolly
• Officer Kelly Coughlin
• Officer Shane Gibson
• Officer Owen Ochs

Below are descriptions of the five and why they were nominated:

Sgt. Condos
Sergeant Peter Condos has been a member of the New Canaan Police Department for over thirty years and is assigned to the Investigative Section. His vast knowledge of the law and investigative skills have served the Department exceptionally well over the years. Sergeant Condos handles many of our financial crimes cases. He has successfully closed countless cases with arrests not only due to his investigative methods but his keen interview skills. Sergeant Condos is always willing to share his expertise and mentor fellow officers and new investigators.

Officer Connolly
Officer Connolly has been a member of the Department since 2003. He is assigned to the patrol division, and his roles include Bicycle Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, TASER Instructor, and he is a member of our Crisis Intervention Team. Officer Connolly is known for his integrity and thorough and detailed orientated work. He sets an excellent example for our Department with his level of professionalism and integrity.

Officer Coughlin
Officer Kelly Coughlin has been a member of the Department since 2015 and is assigned to our patrol division and recently became the Department's Community Impact Officer. Officer Coughlin comes to work with a positive attitude and an eagerness to take on extra duties and responsibilities. She is a Project Life Saver Officer, School Liaison Officer at Country School, and is the department photographer. She is dedicated to improving the Department and is always willing to assist with projects and events. Officer Coughlin's attitude and team spirit make her an asset to our Department.

Officer Gibson
Officer Shane Gibson has been a member of the Department since 2014. He is assigned to the patrol division. In addition, Officer Gibson is a Dispatcher, Field Training Officer, School Liaison Officer at St. Luke's School and is a member of our Special Response Team and Honor Guard. Officer Gibson is very detail and goal-oriented. He possesses a high degree of personal motivation and goes above and beyond without being asked. For example, he restructured the Department's Arrest and Control Program and assisted in setting up a training area for our officers to enhance their skills. Officer Gibson is a true professional.

Officer Ochs
Officer Owen Ochs has been with the Department since 2017 and is assigned to the patrol division. When not fulfilling his Dispatch duties, Officer Ochs demonstrates a high level of self-initiated activity on patrol. He is dedicated to following through on every case he is assigned. His diligence throughout 2020 resulted in six arrest warrants signed by a Superior Court Judge for suspects who may not have been brought to justice has it not been for Owen’s good work.