New Haven Independent

Anthony’s Ocean View Restaurant hosted the event Tuesday night. The long tables of catered food with large chandelier overhead, and men in suits gave the event a formal appearance, but with jokes and old stories of hazing rookies, the hall sounded like a sizable family party.

Lt. Campion, with 35 years of service and accolades, has most recently worked closely with city and police personnel to consolidate the city’s 911 services. Campion said the ceremony allowed him to look back at his career and enjoy the time he had, but ultimately there is more work to be done.

“We put our right hand up and swear that we will protect and save the lives of the citizens and visitors of New Haven, so we go to work everyday with that in mind, and to get an award, it’s just a little extra honor,” said Campion. (pictured).

Fire Chief Michael Grant jokingly reminded the crowd that the police might be the finest, but the firefighters are the bravest. He spoke about Campion’s service and qualities like his “uncanny ability to read a fire.”

“There is not a challenge big enough to stop Andrew Campion. Any new piece of equipment that came before our firefighters, he mastered it,” he said.

Police Chief Francisco Ortiz Jr., when he arrived at the podium, built on Grant’s joke, saying sarcastically “I must have an easy job because everyone is always telling me how to do it.” He continued to say that amidst the corruption probe in the department, he was grateful to have a man like Streeto on the force.

“One of the first decisions I made when I became police chief was to put Joe Streeto in charge of the Hill South District, as a district manager. I recognize talent, sincerity, honesty, and integrity,” said Ortiz. He called Streeto “one of the most respected individuals in the department.”

Streeto began his law enforcement career 23 years ago, and became a lieutenant in 2002. At the award ceremony he was admittedly nervous; he said he was honored but didn’t like to be the center of attention, and he was ready to get back to work.

Streeto said that throughout his career, his greatest achievement has been his relationship with the community and his coworkers. He closed with an acknowledgment of the recent struggles the police force has experienced, but the need to continue on.

“As you all know, this has been a very difficult year for the New Haven police department, with the federal corruption probe into the defunct narcotics unit. Despite a small group of individuals making bad decisions, I firmly believe we still have one of the finest police departments in the state of Connecticut,” he said.