The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Police captain recognized for service to the community
MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce presented its 2018 Michael L. Green Award to a local law enforcement official.
The honor, bestowed annually to a member of the police or fire community for his or her outstanding service to the community and the chamber, was given to Middletown Police Capt. Gary M. Wallace.
A 23-year member of the force, Wallace oversees the Investigative Services Division, which is made up of three units: Special, Major, and Narcotics Investigations, according to a news release. The 18 detectives investigate all major crimes throughout the city.
During his elevation through the ranks, Wallace has served in roles including a field training, and school resource officer, patrol sergeant, special investigations unit supervisor, patrol lieutenant, internal affairs unit supervisor, investigative services division executive officer, and commander of both the patrol investigative services divisions, the release said.
The chairman of the Board of Directors for Gilead Community Services helps oversee the second largest mental health agency in Middlesex County. He is also vice president of the North End Action Team Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees for The Community Follows the Patriot, and corresponding secretary for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Wallace, an East Hampton resident, also serves on the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council’s Advisory Board, Oak Hill’s Board of Directors, The Community Foundation of Middlesex County Grants Committee, Middlesex Community College’s Campus Resource Team and Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, Wesleyan University’s Public Safety Commission and Title XI Core Group, Community Health Center’s Advisory Group, and the state of Connecticut Office of Policy Management/Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, according to the chamber.
He also has been a local youth mentor and is a percussionist in the Middletown PBA Pipes & Drums.
Wallace is a 1985 graduate of East Hampton High School, and a 2009 graduate of Middlesex Community College who holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice. He is a Navy war veteran from the Persian Gulf era (1987-91) and served on board the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier during war time. He is an active member of the American Legion Post 75 Veterans Group in Middletown.