Newtown Police Department K-9 Officer Felicia Figol has been named the Connecticut Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for “exceptional service” by the American Legion of Connecticut.

Winning that honor followed Ofc Figol’s nomination for the award by Newtown-based American Legion Post 202. Ofc Figol received a plaque symbolizing the award at a Post 202 meeting on August 7 at Newtown Community Center. Post 202 Commander Nick Cabral presented the honor.

At the meeting, Ofc Figol also received a formal citation from the Connecticut General Assembly, honoring her for her police work. State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Raghib Allie-Brennan presented the citation.

At the August 7 session, Police Chief James Viadero complimented Ofc Figol for her work with the Newtown Police Cadet program.

“Her small size does not reflect her compassion,” Chief Viadero commented. “We’re honored,” he said, adding, “Somebody like her can touch the community.”

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal said, “We benefit by having people like Felicia serve the community... Felicia embodies the [police] staff very well.” Ofc Figol is now handling her third police dog, who is named Aris, he said, after having handled Baro and Saint Michael.

More broadly, the first selectman complimented the local American Legion for the growth of the organization. “I’m really pleased with the growth I’ve seen at the American Legion... I’m really impressed... There’s a lot of optimism and excitement.”

Mr Bolinsky commented, “Being a police officer today is harder than it’s ever been. They protect us from threats on a daily basis.”

Before presenting the American Legion award, Mr Cabral said that Ofc Figol represents what is best about community policing. “She can be considered the poster child of police officers,” he added.

The post commander then read a long list of Ofc Figol’s credentials. The officer is dedicated to the principles of safety and security, he said.

In response to the many comments of praise, Ofc Figol responded, “I’m totally humbled... I’m overwhelmed... Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.”

Following her receipt of the awards, Ofc Figol, assisted by Officer Matthew Hayes, demonstrated the skills of police dog Aris

Ms Figol has been a police officer for 23 years, initially having worked in Arizona, after which she started work in Newtown in 2004. Besides her work as a K-9 officer, she is a field training officer, a certified police instructor, and a crisis intervention officer.

Ofc Figol founded and runs the Western Connecticut K-9 Challenge, a competition for police dogs and their handlers. The officer also runs a program designed for females age 15 and up called “Escape Alive,” which is geared to demonstrating self-defense techniques.