Crime & Safety

Southington's Newest Cop At The Top Of His Class

The officer graduated from the police academy on Wednesday night, earning a major award in the process.

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The Southington Police Department's newest law enforcer is already piling up the honors, even though he just graduated from the police academy on Wednesday.
The Southington Police Department's newest law enforcer is already piling up the honors, even though he just graduated from the police academy on Wednesday. (Tim Jensen/Patch)

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The town's newest law enforcer is already stockpiling awards, earning a major honor at his graduation Wednesday night at the Waterbury Police Academy.

Darien Riley, the Southington Police Department's newest cop, earned the Samuel J. Luciano Award Wednesday night for earning the highest quality grade point average in his police class.

Thursday morning, the SPD honored Riley.

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" This was a true testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence," wrote the department in an announcement.

"We are extremely proud to welcome Officer Riley to our team and look forward to the positive impact he will have in serving our community."

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Riley is now undergoing field training in Southington, a final step before hitting the beat fully.

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