MADD to Honor ‘Top Cop;’ A Running Tribute to a Teen; Marine Band Delivers Powerful Performance; Life Lessons From the ‘Dog House’

CHESHIRE – A police officer who has reportedly made more DUI arrests than any other officer in the state will be honored with the Connecticut MADD Top Cop award at a ceremony on June 15 in New Haven.

Sgt. Philip Giampietro, who spent his last day in uniform on Wednesday supervising the patrol division for the 3 to 11 p.m. shift, has written more than 800 DUI citations.

“Early in my career there were a couple of horrific crashes. It made me sensitive," the 51-year-old said.

Check out the story for more about Giampietro and his involvement with MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 

NORTH BRANFORD – More than 1,000 people turned out to North Branford High School May 22 for a fundraiser in honor of Matt Picciuto, an 18-year-old who died in a speeding-related car accident on May 23, 2009.

Check out the story to see a moving tribute song, performed by one of Matt’s friends, and a slideshow of more than 200 photographs.

EAST HAVEN – A powerful performance this week by the Parris Island Marine Band was a timely tribute to Memorial Day.

Click here to watch a video of the performance.

MILFORD – Animal Control Officer Rick George retells the story of when he was a young family man, working two jobs and finding inspiration in one of the most unsuspecting places: an earring.

Relive the experience with George, as he blends humor in his Patch blog, called Rick’s Dog House.