Ansonia’s Officer Barry Receives Brian F. Phipps Memorial Award Of Excellence

PHOTO: Jodie MozdzerAnsonia School Resource Officer Michael Barry thought he was attending a special meeting of the Ansonia Board of Police Commissioners Thursday to talk about his successful boot camp program for Ansonia High School students. 

Instead, Ansonia police officers and Barry’s family surprised him at Ansonia City Hall, at an ambush-style awards ceremony where Barry received the department’s highest honor: The Brian F. Phipps Memorial Award of Excellence. 

The award is given to an officer each year who shows similar qualities to Phipps, a former Ansonia Police Commissioner who died in 1996. 

Phipps was a retired Brigadier General in the United State Army National Guard, and a Vietnam War veteran. He’s remembered as a warm, honest, and direct man whose work ethic and ideals were evident to all who knew him. 

Click here to read more about Phipps.

I was extremely surprised,” Barry said Thursday. I’m honored. I’m extremely honored to represent the Ansonia Police Department.”

The Phipps award has been given out for the last six years, according to Chief of Police Kevin Hale. 

It’s a surprise each year. Normally it’s handed out during the annual awards ceremony. The Ansonia Police Department decided to not hold a ceremony this year, but opt for a larger ceremony next year for 2011 and 2012. 

Barry’s Work

Officer Barry has been with the Ansonia Police Department for the last six years. He has served as the department’s School Resource Officer for the past three years. 

PHOTO: Jodie MozdzerIn 2011, Barry started a Morning Boot Camp program at the high school to help keep students out of trouble. The court diversionary program gives an alternative option for students who would otherwise get arrested. They can attend 10 sessions at 5 a.m. with Barry and avoid charges. 

The program teaches them discipline and builds character, Barry said Thursday. 

We’re trying to get more and more people involved in that,” Barry said. Develop their discipline and character.”

Over the past two years, more than 150 students have attended the boot camp — either voluntarily or to avoid criminal charges. 

Barry said the arrest rate at the high school has dropped significantly as a result. 

Where there were about 60 arrests three years ago, there were only about 37 last year, he said. And now the number is in the mid 20s, Barry said. 

They school has even started giving a $1,000 award to a student who exemplifies the tenants of the program. 

Passion For The Job’

Hale said Barry was a clear choice for the award. A committee made up of Ansonia police brass and police commissioners reviews nominations for the award, and votes on the winner each year. 

PHOTO: Jodie MozdzerThe recipient mirrors character traits of Phipps. 

Hale said Barry’s passion for the job, his dedication and loyalty” are clear every day.

He’s always positive,” Hale said. 

Barry thanked his family — his wife Tammy and two daughters Macee and Jaylee — upon receiving the award. 

And he said he had tremendous respect” for his fellow officers and Chief Hale. 

I’m overwhelmed,” Barry said. I love the job.” 

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