Local briefs

MIDDLETOWN » The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2017 recipient of the Michael L. Green Award, presented annually to a member of the police or fire community for his or her outstanding service to the community and to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. The recipient is William J. Warner, a retired police detective for the City of Middletown. In his 24 years of service, Warner served in a variety of roles, starting as a Civilian Police Dispatcher in 1989. Warner joined the Auxiliary Police Unit in 1991 and became a full time regular member of the Middletown Police Department in 1994. Warner worked in the City Housing Authority’s apartment complexes as a Community Policing Officer where he helped organize and run resident councils within the complexes. Warner also worked in the Street Crime Unit and the Major Investigations Unit for many years. While a Detective, specializing in fraud investigations, Warner worked diligently to identify individuals involved in multi-jurisdictional crime rings by networking with other police agencies, banks and financial institutions.

In the final three years prior to his retirement, Warner served as the Community Relations Officer, where he implemented and oversaw Neighborhood Watch Programs, prepared and presented crime prevention seminars and workshops to schools, community groups, and the general public.

During his years with the police department, Warner received a Medal of Valor and Purple Heart, a Citation for Bravery, and the Chief’s Award for Outstanding Service.

Warner’s devotion to his home community continues to progress. He is a member of the Middletown Kiwanis International and a Board Member of the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project. Warner remains involved and supportive of the police force, especially through his co-founding of the Middletown Police Benefit Association Bagpipe Band, in order to celebrate, promote and preserve the Pipe Band Culture within the Law Enforcement Community.

Warner lives in Higganum and has two grown daughters and a grandson. He spending time with my family, boating, bicycling and playing the bagpipes.

The award will be presented at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Cromwell.

For more information on the 2017 Annual Awards Dinner, contact Johanna Bond at Johanna@middlesexchamber. com or 860-347-6924.