Vernon Police Recognize Officers' Good Work, Name Officer Of The Year

VERNON, CT — Vernon police officer Tyler Wallace stood out in 2025 and on Wednesday was named Officer of the Year.

In five instances, Wallace individually or working with colleagues, saved a person’s life. Working with colleagues, he successfully resolved incidents where people were experiencing mental health crises. In another incident, working with colleagues, he arrested a drug dealer and helped get two guns off the street.

Wallace has been with the police department for about five years. He worked previously as an emergency medical technician for the Ambulance Service of Manchester.

Officer Jamie Grzegorek described Wallace as an officer "who
truly represents the professionalism, dedication, and proactive
policing that we strive for here at the Vernon Police Department. Throughout 2025, Officer Wallace consistently demonstrated that he is a tremendous asset to this department and to the people of Vernon."

Wallace was also recognized for his thorough and detailed investigations, his work ethic, his proactive efforts to get drunk drivers off the road and to disrupt illegal drug activity, and his commitment to learning new skills, improving himself and assisting his colleagues with any task. In addition to the five lifesaving awards, he received three distinguished service unit awards.

"We have a tremendous team of police officers in Vernon," Chief Marc Petruzzi said. "During Wednesday's ceremony they were recognized for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence and what makes this department strong. We are especially proud to congratulate Officer
Wallace for all he achieved in 2025 to be recognized by his colleagues as Officer of the Year."

Wallace's recognition, and the deeds ofther Vernon police officers on Wednesday, were determined by the police
department’s awards committee.

Others recognized Wednesday and their awards include:

Distinguished Service Unit

• Sgt. Ethan Roberge, Officer Andre Lisee, Officer Corey Sutherland, State Trooper Michael Nisbet
  and his K9 Apollo. For locating and arresting a domestic assault suspect.
• Officer Bryan Sembersky, Officer Jeffrey Condon, Officer Justin Hock, Officer Ryan DiManno and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Babcock. For locating and arresting an armed carjacking suspect who later confessed to multiple felonies in Vernon and Ellington. Chief Babcock assisted officers.
• Officer Bryan Sembersky, Det. Cody Flanigan, Officer Brandon Zawadski and his K9 Franco, and Officer Nicholas Pinard. For their response and investigation of a serious assault involving a crowbar.
• Det. Cody Flanigan, Officer Brandon Zawadski and his K9 Franco, Officer Nicholas Pinard and Sgt. Charles Vogt. For their response to and investigation of reckless driving and fleeing the scene incidents.
• Officer Brandon Zawadski and his K9 Franco and Officer Tyler Wallace. For their response to a motor vehicle stop that turned into a medical incident, and for preventing the driver from fleeing the scene, resulting in the seizure of drugs, two guns and ammunition.
• Officer Tyler Wallace, Officer Nicholas Pinard, Officer Robert Worobel and Officer Daniel D’Alessandro. For their response to a mental health evaluation call where the suspect was wielding a 30- inch sword. The officers were able to de-escalate the situation and get the suspect to surrender the
  sword. He was then taken for treatment.
• Officer Tyler Wallace and Officer Sean Curley. For responding to a disorderly juvenile armed with a
  kitchen knife complaint. The juvenile initially fled, but officers were able to contain and then take the
  juvenile for mental health care.

Meritorious Service

Meritorious Service Unit

• Det. Cody Flanigan and Officer Jamie Grzegorek. Grzegorek received and investigated a report of a sexual assault of a juvenile and obtained detailed statements from all relevant individuals. Flanigan took over the case, obtained multiple search warrants and carried out additional interviews. The result was the arrest of a dangerous child predator.

• Det. Cody Flanigan and Det. Thomas Van Tasel. The detectives receive a complaint involving suspected possession and distribution of child pornography. The detectives identified a suspect after a complicated investigation and assisted federal authorities in obtaining a federal arrest warrant.

Life Saving

The following officers were recognized for their work which resulted in the saving of a life:

Letters of Commendation

• Officer Matthew Guilmette
• Officer Alyson Perez
• Officer Zachary Johanson
• Officer Nicholas Pinard
• Officer Jonathan Snyder
• Officer Cara Momnie
• Officer Devon O’Donnell
• Officer Jno Gearin

MADD Award

• Officer Ryan DiManno
• Officer Jno Gearin