Oxford’s Top Cop Honored

Resident State Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky was honored by the state and the Board of Selectmen for the actions he took last April after a man barricaded himself inside his garage and threatened to blow himself up. 

NEWTOWN BEE PHOTOA 33-year-old Chesnut Tree Hill resident found out there was a warrant for his arrest, then wouldn’t leave his garage. To add to the tension, the man had at his disposal a bow and arrow, an arc welder — and a nail gun propped against a propane tank.

The resident threatened to fire the nail gun into the propane tank and cause an explosion.

Semosky was off duty at the time of the incident but responded from his home to the scene because he was familiar with the resident.

I understood his personality and I responded,” he said. I knew I could make a contribution and as it turned out, I did.”

Semosky was able to inch forward to within 10-feet of the resident during the incident and initiate a conversation.

The stand-off continued for two hours before Semosky was able to diffuse the situation and take the resident into custody. The man was charged with breach of peace and interfering with police.

In January, Semosky received a Meritorious Award during a ceremony at the State Police Training Academy in Meriden.

Those in attendance included State Police Commissioner John Danaher III, Colonel Thomas Davoren and Lt. Governor Michael Fedele. 

Sgt. Semosky’s quick actions prevented a large explosion and probable injuries,” reads the certificate given to him by the state.

Semosky has been on the job for 23 years.

The incident just shows you how dangerous police work could be,” he said. You just have to do your job.”

First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers nominated Semosky for the recognition in May 2009.

The Board of Selectmen recognized Semosky at a meeting Feb. 3.

I am absolutely pleased and proud to have put his name in for the nomination for a job well done,” Drayton-Rogers said.

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