Video: Presentations Honor Police Officers

The ceremony was 10 years late, according to Montville Police Lt. Leonard Bunnell, but it happened Monday night.

Bunnell made presentations during the Public Safety Committee meeting, honoring the work and dedication of three police officers.

David Rowley retired this summer after 24 years as a part-time officer on the police force. Rowley had been a science teacher before becoming a police officer, and Bunnell said, “When he was hired back then, I said, what POSSIBLY could a science teacher do for the town of Montville?”

Rowley served on the boat patrol, was a DARE officer, and more. Look for a story on him Wednesday on the Montville Patch!

The second officer honored was Michael Collins, who retired recently from his position as resident state trooper.

Collins served as resident state trooper for four years, retiring because changes in the state retirement system would have cost him dearly in benefits. . For two videos from that story, look in the photo box.

The final honor went to the family of the late Dennis Monahan Jr., who died of cancer in 2007 (To read his obituary, click here). He was a beloved DARE officer, who also served as a training officer and union president, and volunteered at Ground Zero after 9/11.

The Town Council chamber was packed for the presentations, and each earned a standing ovation. Here and there, especially for the Monahan presentation, tears were shed.