Police Officer Of The Year Named In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Westport Police Corporal Edward Wooldridge has been named the department’s 2024 Officer of the Year, police officials announced Friday.

Wooldridge joined the Westport Police Department in February 2017, following a distinguished 23-year career with the Connecticut State Police, and "brought with him not only a wealth of experience, but also a deep sense of duty and commitment to the community."

In 2018, he became the town’s first School Resource Officer, and through his hard work and solid relationships within the school community, what began as a trial position has grown into an integral part of the Westport Police Department, according to officials.

"Today, the Department’s School Security Unit includes officers in nearly every school in town, providing not only security, but mentorship, trust, and accessibility to students and families," officials said. "The success of this program can be traced directly to Corporal Wooldridge’s leadership and the example he set as the first to wear that role."

Corporal Woodridge’s career "stands as a testament to service, adaptability, effectiveness, and longevity."

— From left, Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson; Corporal Edward Wooldridge; Chief David Farrell; Deputy Chief David Wolf; and Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso. Photo credit: Westport Police Department