In a department full of hard-working pros, Vernon Police Officer Tyler Wallace stood out in 2025.
In five instances, Wallace individually or working with colleagues saved a person’s life. Working with colleagues, he successfully resolved incidents where people were experiencing mental health crises. In another incident, working with colleagues he arrested a drug dealer and got two guns off the street.
For his work in 2025, Wallace was recognized Wednesday night by his colleagues as Vernon Police Officer of the Year. He’s been with the police department about five years. He worked previously as an emergency medical technician for the Ambulance Service of Manchester.
Officer Jamie Grzegorek described Wallace as an officer “who truly represents the professionalism, dedication, and proactive policing that we strive for here at the Vernon Police Department. “Throughout 2025, Office Wallace consistently demonstrated that he is a tremendous asset to this department and to the people of Vernon.”
Wallace was also recognized for his thorough and detailed investigations, his work ethic, his proactive efforts to get drunk drivers off the road and to disrupt illegal drug activity, and his commitment to learning new skills, improving himself and assisting his colleagues with any task. In addition to the five lifesaving awards, he received three distinguished service unit awards.
“We have a tremendous team of police officers in Vernon,” Chief Marc Petruzzi said. “During Wednesday’s ceremony they were recognized for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence and what makes this department strong. We are especially proud to congratulate Officer Wallace for all he achieved in 2025 to be recognized by his colleagues as Officer of the Year.”
Wallace’s recognition, and of other Vernon police officers on Wednesday, was determined by the police department’s awards committee. Others recognized Wednesday and their awards include:
Distinguished Service Unit
Sgt. Ethan Roberge, Officer Andre Lisee, Officer Corey Sutherland, State Trooper Michael Nisbet and his K9 Apollo. For locating and arresting a domestic assault suspect.
Officer Bryan Sembersky, Officer Jeffrey Condon, Officer Justin Hock, Officer Ryan DiManno and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Babcock. For locating and arresting an armed carjacking suspect who later confessed to multiple felonies in Vernon and Ellington. Chief Babcock assisted officers.
Officer Bryan Sembersky, Det. Cody Flanigan, Officer Brandon Zawadski and his K9 Franco, and Officer Nicholas Pinard. For their response and investigation of a serious assault involving a crowbar.
Det. Cody Flanigan, Officer Brandon Zawadski and his K9 Franco, Officer Nicholas Pinard and Sgt. Charles Vogt. For their response to and investigation of reckless driving and fleeing the scene incidents.
Officer Brandon Zawadski and his K9 Franco and Officer Tyler Wallace. For their response to a motor vehicle stop that turned into a medical incident, and for preventing the driver from fleeing the scene, resulting in the seizure of drugs, two guns and ammunition.
Officer Tyler Wallace, Officer Nicholas Pinard, Officer Robert Worobel and Officer Daniel D’Alessandro. For their response to a mental health evaluation call where the suspect was wielding a 30-inch sword. The officers were able to deescalate the situation and get the suspect to surrender the sword. He was then taken for treatment.
Officer Tyler Wallace and Officer Sean Curley. For responding to a disorderly juvenile armed with a kitchen knife complaint. The juvenile initially fled, but officers were able to contain and then take the juvenile for mental health care.
Meritorious Service
Det. Michael Anthony. For his investigation into multiple larceny and fraud incidents involving a funeral home where people who purchased funeral service contracts were defrauded.
Det. Cody Flanigan and Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski. For their investigation into a fire that turned out to be an arson conspiracy and resulted in the arrests of two people.
Meritorious Service Unit
Det. Cody Flanigan and Officer Jamie Grzegorek. Grzegorek received and investigated a report of a sexual assault of a juvenile and obtained detailed statements from all relevant individuals. Flanigan took over the case, obtained multiple search warrants and carried out additional interviews. The result was the arrest of a dangerous child predator.
Det. Cody Flanigan and Det. Thomas Van Tasel. The detectives receive a complaint involving suspected possession and distribution of child pornography. The detectives identified a suspect after a complicated investigation and assisted federal authorities in obtaining a federal arrest warrant.
Det. Thomas Van Tasel and Officer Sean Curley. While investigating a criminal mischief complaint, Curley collected a blood sample from a broken window. Van Tasel subsequently received notification that the DNA profile obtained from the blood sample was linked to a homicide in Maine. Curley and Van Tasel assisted Maine State Police in developing a suspect.
Det. Michael Anthony and Sgt Joshua Wells. Both men invested an armed bank robbery and as a result of their thorough investigation identified a suspect who was ultimately charged.
The following officers were also honored Wednesday.
Life Saving
Officer Bryan Sembersky
Officer Dominic Marandino
Officer Andre Lisee
Officer Devon O’Donnell
Officer Justin Hock
Officer Tyler Wallace
Officer Nicholas Pinard
Officer Michael Davidson
Former Officer Jennie Rivera-Cintron
Letters of Commendation
Officer Matthew Guilmette
Officer Alyson Perez
Officer Zachary Johanson
Officer Nicholas Pinard
Officer Jonathan Snyder
Officer Cara Momnie
Officer Devon O’Donnell
Officer Jno Gearin
MADD Award
Officer Ryan DiManno
Officer Jno Gearin