What is Conn-PAC?

Thomas J. Pyrcz, “Tommy” to the members of ConnPAC, was an integral part of our ConnPAC community. Tommy began his career as an Enfield Police Department Dispatcher in 1972 and a sworn officer in 1979. Tommy started working on accreditation efforts for the Enfield Police Department in 2000, became the Department’s Accreditation Manager in 2007, and quickly became a valuable resource for most other accreditation managers in the State. Tommy became the Connecticut Police Accreditation Coalition Vice President in 2013, a post he held until his passing. He never missed an opportunity to assist another member of ConnPAC and always did so with a smile. Tommy embodied every positive aspect of accreditation. He was focused, committed, and always optimistic. Tommy was committed to the mission of ConnPAC and was always available to assist with mock assessments, attend meetings and training classes, and work as a Connecticut State Assessor. Tommy’s passion for accreditation and his lifelong pursuit of police professionalism were evident in every conversation. Tommy’s contributions to ConnPAC and accreditation throughout the State of Connecticut were substantial and will be greatly missed.

Everything Tommy was is what accreditation should be. In that light, the Connecticut Police Accreditation Coalition created the Thomas J. Pyrcz “Spirit of Accreditation Award” to ensure Tommy’s legacy lives on and to recognize an individual or department that adheres to the values espoused by Tommy in his character and his quest for police professionalism and accreditation efforts.

• Be an Active member of ConnPAC for the previous 3 years (mandatory).
• Regularly assists other agencies with mock assessments.
• Regularly assists other agencies with other accreditation issues through providing policies or guidance on compliance issues.
• Attends ConnPAC meetings and other ConnPAC trainings and events.
• Promotes accreditation programs, both State and CALEA, statewide.

• Nominations can be accepted from any ConnPAC member or member agency.
• Self-nominations will be considered.
• Nominations will be made to the “Spirit of Accreditation” Award committee.
• To be considered, nominations must be received by the October 31st.
• Nominations must include the name of the nominated party/agency and a brief reason for their nomination.
• The ‘Spirit of Accreditation” Award committee will review nominations and make their recommendation to the ConnPAC Executive Board.
• The Award will be presented at the December ConnPAC meeting.
• The Award does not need to be an annual event.