Two Derby Police Officers Honored

Two Derby police officers were honored Nov. 7 for heroic actions both on and off-duty.

Officers Patrick Foley and Bruce Giovanelli were honorees during the ​“Courage of Connecticut” awards dinner, an annual event organized by AFSCME Council 4.

Foley was recognized for capturing a suspect in a shooting.

On July 4, 2017, a man was shot in Ansonia at the corner of North Main and Fourth streets.

The suspect fled in a black Honda, which was spotted by Foley in Derby. Foley pursued the suspect for more than seven miles, with speeds at times exceeding 90 mph.

The suspect eventually crashed in West Haven. For a time Foley was the only officer at the scene.

“Officer Foley then positioned his patrol vehicle to block the front passenger side door of the suspect’s vehicle to prevent any type of escape,” according to a statement from police. ​“Officer Foley then exited his vehicle armed with his patrol rifle and positioned himself in front of the suspect’s vehicle, putting himself in danger with a possible armed suspect. Officer Foley held the suspect at gun point until other police officers arrived on scene.”

Cops later recovered a gun which the suspect had tossed out his window while being chased.

The suspect, a previously convicted felon, is now serving nine years in prison. The victim survived.

Giovanelli was honored for saving an 8‑year-old boy’s life.

The officer was at a family party in Tampa, Fla. when two women ran into the house saying a boy had just drowned in a pool outside.

Giovanelli found the boy unconscious with no pulse. He told the crowd to clear and then performed CPR for four minutes.

The boy was taken to a hospital and has made a full recovery.

“Congratulations to Officers Foley and Giovanelli,” Derby police said in a statement. ​“Your quick actions, courage and bravery made the Derby Police Department and the entire law enforcement community proud!”

AFSCME Council 4 is a union of which Derby police officers are members.