WestConn PD Chief Wins Award



Chief Neil McLaughlin of the Western Connecticut State University Police Department was honored at the 43rd Annual Regional Criminal Investigation School by the Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association (NEOA) of Connecticut.

McLaughlin received the President's Award, recognizing him for "his commitment to promote professionalism and excellence in policing through the training of officers, endeavoring peers to train, and dedication to the law enforcement community." The award was presented by NEOA President Michael Rinaldi at the opening ceremony for the school on Nov. 3.

The school is held annually in Newport, R.I., in conjunction with the New England State Police Information Network (NESPIN) and the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training program and is attended by federal, state and local police officers and investigators from the Northeast region.

McLaughlin's efforts to encourage participation from campus police departments were recognized during this presentation as well as his contributions to some of the professional development aspects of the program.

McLaughlin, who next year will have served 50 years behind a badge, led the Western Connecticut State University Honor Guard in the posting of the colors during the opening ceremony.

He was also invited to give welcoming comments to the attendees during the ceremony. McLaughlin stated that he "is honored to be affiliated with such a professionally run and organized school that provides skills development to police officers dedicated to protecting their communities." He encouraged the participants to take away and use the valuable information they would receive during the training.

Honor Guard members are: Officer Trevor Burke; Richard McGrath; Luis Dos Santos and Sergeant Richard Montefusco. Sergeant Raniero Ferrante is also a member of the Honor Guard but was not available this year for the ceremony.

After the presentation, McLaughlin said, "This was a morning full of surprises! I am not only honored to receive this award but very proud to be a member of the university's Honor Guard that shares this honor with me this morning."

The unit has received much praise over the last five years for its participation in professional ceremonies both on and off campus. The guard regularly presents the colors on campus at Veteran's Day activities and the annual 9-11 commemorative ceremonies.