MONROE, Conn. — Police Officer Nicholas Puglisi created the Special Olympics Classic Car Show and annual Trunk or Treat Car Show events, which raise a total of over $7,000 a year for Special Olympics Connecticut on behalf of the Monroe Police Department. The effort is just one of the reasons why Puglisi was honored as this year’s Sgt. Peter Howard Community Service Award recipient.
Capt. Stephen Corrone presented the award, which is given to a department member demonstrating exceptional dedication to serving the community through involvement in charitable initiatives, community organizations and outreach efforts that go above and beyond the call of duty, during the annual Monroe Police Department Awards Ceremony at Jockey Hollow Middle School Thursday evening.
“This year’s nominee, Officer Nicholas Puglisi, exemplifies the spirit and purpose of this award through his unwavering commitment to community service and positive engagement,” Corrone said.
After Corrone’s introduction, Puglisi was congratulated by Chief Keith White and the award’s namesake, retired police sergeant, Pete Howard, who attended the ceremony.
Puglisi, who is a member of the department’s Community Relations Officer Team, also coordinated a visit between police officers and a young girl to help raise awareness of her courageous battle with cancer through the department’s social media platforms, the captain said.
“His compassion brought comfort to the girl and her family while highlighting the importance of supporting families facing serious illness within our community,” Corrone said, adding Puglisi is always among the first to volunteer when help is needed.
“When one of our retired officers lost his house in a flood in 2024, Officer Puglisi took the initiative to secure raffle prizes from local donors, helping ensure the fundraiser’s success,” Corrone said. “For a separate event, he volunteered his time assembling bicycles for the department to give away to children in the community.”
“His dedication has built strong relationships throughout the community, with many local business owners and staff knowing him by first name and viewing him as a trusted partner and friend,” Corrone said of Puglisi. “Through his leadership, compassion, and tireless volunteerism, Officer Puglisi exemplifies the true spirit of community policing and is exceptionally deserving of the Sgt. Peter Howard Community Service Award.”
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