Waterford's Police Officer And Dispatcher of The Year

The Waterford Police Department's K9 Officer Todd O'Connell and Dispatcher Jodie Strohl were both recognized at Police Officer and Dispatcher of the Year at a ceremony for local police and dispatch agencies on May 22 at the Elks Club in New London.

First Selectman Dan Steward and Waterford Police Chief Murray Pendleton presented the awards. Both were nominated by Chief Pendleton. "Every year, we attempt to recognize the officers that are the boots on the ground," said Pendleton.  

Officer of the Year—Todd O'Connell

Waterford K9 Officer Todd O’Connell first came to the department in 2008 and, Pendleton said, "he’s had a substantial impact from the day he came here." O'Connell has a background in public health and he played a substantial role in helping the chief prepare policies and procedures to deal with potential threats such as a pandemic.

O'Connell is also very involved in the community, volunteering to help out a variety of sports organizations and serving as a coach for both baseball and basketball. "And that’s an important thing, from my point of view," said Pendleton. "Not only does he serve on the force as a dedicated officer, but he's involved with the town he serves."

The department assigned O'Connell the position of K9 Officer. He and his dog Atos have been working very effectively together for several years now, Pendleton said. In one case, "he seized over 110 bags of heroine. In another case, three pounds of marijuana, and in another case he seized 8 pounds of marijuana at a post office," Pendleton said. The discovery at the post office led to another search, this time of a home, where police found another four pounds of marijuana. 

O'Connell has also closed a number of burglary cases. "His most recent involved tracking a burglar for more than half a mile, at which point he found the suspect hiding," Pendleton said. "The young officer has demonstrated his dedication on more than one occasion."  

Dispatcher of the Year—Jodie Strohl

Jodie Strohl, who serves as the Waterford emergency communications dispatcher, has been with the department since 1991. In that time, she has taken on additional responsibilities as a communications training officer and as an Emergency Medical Technician trainer.

"She works fulltime with the police and fire department. She’s trained all of our new people and she’s certainly contributed to the efficiency of the communications center by playing an active role," Pendleton said. "So many times, we take for granted lots of these public safety positions that are, in many cases, the lifeline between police, fire, and ambulance services and the town. Jodie is a very efficient dispatcher who enjoys the respect of her peers, and we think that deserves recognition."