Three officers who played instrumental roles in the arrest of a suspect in the stabbing death of UConn football playerin 2009 were recognized Friday with “Officer of the Year” awards by the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s office.
Master Sgt. Gary Andruskiewicz, Officer Justin Gilbert and Officer James Deveny were each presented with the award on May 11 at Rockville Superior Court by State’s Attorney Matthew Gedansky.
The three were recognized for their work in the investigation and subsequent arrest of , who stabbed Howard following a UConn dance in the Student Union Center on the university campus. Howard later died from the injuries he sustained in the attack.
Lomax later pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter and was sentenced last March to 18 years in prison.
In all, five people, including Lomax, were arrested following the investigation on charges that included hindering prosecution, falsely reporting an incident and conspiracy to commit assault.
The three UConn officers were granted the prestigious awards during a ceremony presided over by Gedansky at Rockville Superior Court.
