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

2023 Recipient

Officer Mathew H. Bloom & K9 Koda

Middletown Police Department

On December 30, 2023 Officer Bloom and K9 Koda, (on their last shift together before K9 Koda’s retirement on January 1, 2024) responded to a reported Home Invasion in progress in the City of Middletown. While enroute to the home they located the suspect vehicle fleeing the area. The suspect vehicle was engaged in a high-speed pursuit which ended in the suspects crashing their vehicle. The suspect fled on foot. K9 Koda was released from the car and apprehended on of the suspects who was in possession of a handgun. The handgun was later determined to have been stolen from the victim’s home. All suspect were apprehended and taken into custody form the incident.

2023 HONORABLE MENTIONS

Officer Donoto F. Palma & K-9 Enzo

East Haven Police Department

Officer Joseph A. Perrotti & K9 Sandler

New Haven 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