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08/02/2016 01:45 PMOn July 8, the American Legion recognized Clinton police officer Nick Torino as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The award was presented at the American Legion Department of Connecticut 98th annual Convention in Trumbull.
Formerly a member of the Branford Police Department, Torino was hired as a patrolman for the Clinton Police Department in 2014. He was nominated for the award by Edward Alberino, representing the American Legion’s Hilliard-Jones-Cookson Post No. 66 in Clinton.
The nomination reads, in part:
“On Oct. 7, 2015, at 5:14 p.m., the 911 dispatch center received a medical alert activation from an Airline Road residence. The duty supervisor, Sgt. Todd Carlson, was aware that the resident was an older person in poor health. The Clinton Police Department had responded to this location several times previously to render medical assistance. Officer Nick Torino was immediately dispatched to the location, and upon approaching the rear door immediately noticed smoke coming from the residence.”
Torino radioed for a fire department response. Then, facing a thick wall of smoke when he opened the rear door, he crawled into the residence on hands and knees, calling out for anyone trapped inside to respond. Hearing a faint voice, he reached out and felt the head of a person lying on the kitchen floor. The resident, an elderly man, was reportedly semiconscious.
“Torino immediately grabbed hold of the resident and dragged him toward the rear door,” the citation states. “The resident being a very large male added to the difficulty. Once at the rear door, Officer Torino was assisted by K-9 Officer Greg Matakaetis, who had just arrived. They both pulled the resident the rest of the way out of the house.”
The home sustained heavy smoke damage, and Officer Torino, who suffered smoke inhalation, was transported to Shoreline Medical Center for treatment. He was released that day, and the victim also made a full recovery.
The fire reportedly started with a pot of food cooking on the stove. The victim, who is handicapped, had fallen and was unable to get up or put out the fire.
“Officer Torino exhibited the utmost in courage and bravery,” said Sgt. Carlson. “If he had not acted swiftly and decisively, the resident may have perished. His heroic, noble, and gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Clinton Police Department.”