WASSON TRIBUTE AWARDS

THE DANIEL WASSON MEMORIAL CANINE AWARD

In 1993, the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association—in cooperation with the CPWDA—established The Daniel Wasson Memorial Canine Award. This coveted honor is in memory of Officer Wasson, a Milford Police Canine Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. The annual award recipient is selected from active duty deployments submitted by Connecticut police canine teams who exemplify the highest tradition of police canine law enforcement. The plaques honoring Officer Wasson and each winner of this prestigious award proudly hang in the lobby of the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden, Connecticut.

On Sunday April, 12, 1987, Officer Daniel Wasson who was serving the town of Milford, radioed a police dispatcher that he and his K-9 “General” were conducting a motor vehicle stop on the Boston Post Road in Milford, Connecticut. During this routine motor vehicle stop, Officer Wasson was fatally shot by the vehicle’s operator and was found at 2:45 a.m. lying on the side of the road by a passing motorist with a single gunshot wound to the chest. He had been gun down with a 44 magnum and was pronounced dead at Yale New Haven Hospital shortly after 3:00 a.m. Officer Daniel Scott Wasson, age 25, was a dedicated police officer and K-9 handler serving the Town of Milford, Connecticut.

REMEMBERING DANIEL

Many, many thanks to the CPWDA and James Cortina, who have worked so very hard and have done a wonderful job in making this a memorable tribute to my nephew, Officer Daniel Scott Wasson, who has always held a very special place in my heart. Due to James Cortina’s persistence and dedication, I was able to locate some more pictures for this tribute and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks Jim, You’re special.”

Ginny Hungerford
1/19/05

2022 Recipient

David Gallo & K9 ARGUS

Seymour Police Department

This year, the CPWDA Award Nomination Committee unanimously selected Seymour Police Department Officer David Gallo—and his K-9 Argus—as the winner of the 2022 Daniel Wasson Memorial Canine Award.

2022 HONORABLE MENTIONS

Officer Jason M. Jemiola & K-9 Enzo

East Haven Police Department

Officer Michael J. Califano & K-9 Kane

Stamford Police Department

QUOTES FROM RECIPIENTS

On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Officer Daniel Wasson. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Daniel, you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue angel and thank you for your service.”

James A. Cortina