The following article was compiled from materials submitted by the Wilton Police Department and the Wilton Fire Department.
Wilton’s Newest Police Sergeant
The Wilton Police Department promoted Mark Canepari to the rank of Sergeant in a ceremony Tuesday, May 7 that welcomed his friends and family members. Town Clerk Lori Kaback administered the oath of office, and Canepari’s wife, Amber, pinned on his new badge.
Wilton Police Chief Tom Conlan and First Selectman Toni Boucher praised Canepari for his many achievements and also thanked his family for the sacrifices they make and support they provide, both of which are critical in helping police officers devote long hours of service to the community.
Conlan recognized Canepari for having received several awards during his Wilton career, including the department’s Medal of Honor in 2016, for responding to a car fire, along with other officers, and pulling the driver out of the vehicle already engulfed in flames.
Canepari has also received six Emergency Medical Service Awards for administering life-saving care to patients in distress; a Meritorious Commendation from the Norwalk Police Department for assisting in the investigation of a fatal motor vehicle accident; and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awards for his commitment to DUI enforcement. However, Conlan said the most impressive items in Canepari’s personnel’s file are the “countless letters from residents and motorists thanking him for his assistance.”
Canepari is also a member of the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team and the Regional Computer Forensic Technical Investigation Unit.
Wilton Fire Department Welcomes New Firefighter
In late April, Wilton Fire Department swore in John Gagel as its newest firefighter. Gagel started his career as a volunteer firefighter in Orange, CT in 2015, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. Most recently, he worked as a career firefighter/EMT for the Cromwell, CT Fire District.
Gagel is part of a firefighting family: his father David Gagel has been a volunteer with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department for more than 40 years, and his father-in-law John Shepa retired as the New Haven Battalion Chief.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Wilton Fire Chief Jim Blanchfield described the process for of getting hired as a firefighter in Wilton. Candidates must pass written and oral examinations; take a physical agility test; sit for interviews with the Fire Chief and a Wilton human resource official; sit for an interview with the Wilton Fire Commission; and undergo extensive background checks and certification verifications.
Gagel is certified to the level of Firefighter 2 and Hazardous Material Operational Level. He is also an EMT and is licensed to drive all fire apparatus.
“John’s background and training and family demonstrates his commitment and passion to this career,” Blanchfield said.
Kaback administered the oath and Gagel’s father pinned the Wilton badge on his son.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story contained a misspelling of Firefighter John Gagel’s name in the headline. It has been updated with the correct spelling.