Main Street Waterbury has announced that the recipient of their 2018 Main Street Waterbury Community Partnership Award is Waterbury Police Department Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo. Chief Spagnolo will receive the fourth annual award during a presentation at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
The Award was created by the non-profit Main Street Waterbury to celebrate the leadership and contributions of the late Stephen R. Sasala, former CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and former president of Main Street Waterbury Board of Directors. It is presented to a commendable individual whose initiative, leadership, and personal commitment embody the spirit of partnership and community involvement.
Steve Sasala advocated for quality planning and policy development and practiced the leadership approach of setting goals and staying the course while recognizing and working toward the bigger picture. With these qualities, he continually provided support for addressing local work in ways that ultimately benefitted the more global good.
Fernando C. Spagnolo joined the Waterbury Police Department in July of 1992. During his tenure, he has served in the Patrol Division, Motorcycle Unit, Tactical Narcotics Team, Vice and Intelligence Division, Extra Duty and Licensing and as Aide to the Chief of Police. He has participated in several projects and investigations with both the State and Federal Departments of Homeland Security.
In February 1998 he was promoted to Detective in the Vice and Intelligence Division, and in July 2003 he was promoted to Sergeant. He was then assigned to the Chief’s Office as liaison to the State and Federal Departments of Homeland Security. In May 2006 he became Officer-in-Charge of the Extra Duty and Licensing Division, and in March 2007 he was promoted to Lieutenant and reassigned as the Aide to the Chief of Police.
Fernando Spagnolo attended Saint Joseph’s College in Portland, Maine with a focus on Criminal Justice and Psychology. Currently, he attends Post University to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice and has attended numerous training courses nationwide on Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure Assessment. He is recognized by the court as an expert witness on narcotics and illicit drugs and is certified by the State of Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council as an instructor in anti-terrorism training and crimes motivated by bigotry and bias. He is a graduate of the 69th session of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development School in Quantico, Virginia.
In 1994 and 1996 he was honored with Excellent Police Duty medals. Chief Spagnolo currently serves as Vice President of the Police Activity League of Waterbury, Inc. and as Vice President of the Waterbury chapter of Kiwanis.
A portion of the annual Main Street Waterbury Community Partnership Award program is the awarding of a scholarship to a selected Greater Waterbury area student. In June 2018, Main Street Waterbury presented their 2018 Stephen R. Sasala II Community Partnership Scholarship to Ben Wierzbicki.
“Ben graduated fourth in his class from Naugatuck High School in June and is now enrolled in New York University studying Economics,” stated Main Street Waterbury’s Rosa. “A member of the National Honor Society, Ben has been very active locally as the student representative to the Naugatuck Board of Education and the Naugatuck Arts Commission. He was also involved as an athlete with the Naugatuck High School swimming and diving team. Ben brings his leadership skills to the college level where he hopes to excel and build partnerships for the future.”
Applicants for the Main Street Waterbury’s annual Stephen R. Sasala II Community Partnership Scholarship must demonstrate their leadership interests by being actively involved in the classroom, student clubs, and community organizations. Each applicant must also demonstrate how their involvement has contributed to their development as a future community leader.
Main Street Waterbury is a 501c3 non-profit, downtown management and revitalization program in the context of historic preservation. Through improving the physical appearance of downtown Waterbury, promoting its architectural and cultural assets, organizing volunteer initiatives, sponsoring events, and fostering public/private partnerships, the organization strives to economically rejuvenate Waterbury’s downtown district without sacrificing its character or heritage.
Platinum sponsors of the October 10 Main Street Waterbury Community Partnership Award reception are Webster Bank, St Mary’s Hospital and Post University. Gold sponsors are Carpin Manufacturing, American Medical Response, and Brass Axe Capital. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Carl Rosa directly at 203-757-0701 ext. 302 or emailing to crosa@mainstreetwaterbury.com.
Tickets are $40/person and can be purchased in advance at the Palace Theater Box Office at 100 East Main Street in Waterbury, calling the box office at 203-346-2000, or visiting www.palacetheaterct.org. Tickets will be available October 10th at the box office. A portion of all proceeds will be directed toward Main Street Waterbury’s Stephen R. Sasala Scholarship Fund.