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Disabilities Awards Ceremony honors those who persevere

The Herald - 10/14/2017

NEW BRITAIN ? The city celebrated people with disabilities Friday morning during the 27th Annual Commission on Persons with Disabilities Awards Ceremony.

The annual breakfast and awards ceremony served as a way to acknowledge the shared commitment of employers and individuals to instill a positive attitude towards establishing a diverse workplace in the city. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The New Britain Community Services Department has sought nominations for the awards ceremony since late August.

"At the end of the day, be patient with us ? because even if you can't see it, there's a lot more to the person than just what's originally seen or thought," said Jay Waller, the event's keynote speaker.

Now a physical therapist, Waller's life changed dramatically years ago when he suffered a traumatic brain injury during an assault. Now, he shares his story and helps others overcome their disabilities and injuries.

"Whether it's a brain injury, it's invisible, whether it's obvious and you're in a wheelchair or what have you, just give people the chance to succeed," Waller said during the breakfast.

Two disabled locals were honored for their commitment to their work and impact on the New Britain community with Employee of the Year awards: Steve Daniels and Kristen Perugini.

Daniels, whose disability forces him to use a walker, has worked in the finance department for the school district for 18 years and also works as a statistician for Southington High School's baseball team.

"Steve is an inspiration to all," said Kevin Kane, the chief financial officer for the school district. "He's a role model to young children, the men and women of Sounthington, but in reality Steve has been a role model to me. Five years later, just working with Steve and getting to know Steve, I'm a better person because Steve leads by example."

Police Capt. Chris Chute spoke about Perugini on behalf of Police Chief James Wardwell.

Perugini embodies the spirit of a young professional who excels at her job with a constant positive attitude while dealing with chronic illness, said Chute, who was reading a statement from Wardwell. Wardwell nominated Perugini for recognition during National Disability Awareness Month.

"Kristen Perugini is a terrific role model within the police department and the community," Wardwell said in the prepared remarks. "Kristen's willingness to help others and persistent pleasant disposition, no matter her personal circumstance combined, with her superb work ethic more than qualifies her for this high honor."

As the chief's executive assistant, Perugini keeps the police department running smoothly while dealing with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Mestastic Melanoma, a form of cancer that she has been battling for four years. She is always willing to help co-workers and citizens with a cheerful presence and never shies away from tackling any task thrown her way.

Despite the side-effects from treatment for both conditions, Perugini has courageously continued to demonstrate the highest level of leadership and strength in dealing with her duties as the police department changed chiefs five years and moved into a new building a year later, Wardwell said.

"Kristen was key in helping guide in a new era in the New Britain Police Department," Wardwell's statement read. She "consistently demonstrates to all personnel that she is strong, confident, independent, and a valuable resource to every officer, not just the chief."

The city also doled out a few other awards. MPI Metallurgical Processing was awarded Employer of the Year and the New Britain Bees were awarded Organization of the Year.

Lisa Backus contributed to this story.

Skyler Frazer can be reached at 860-801-5087 or by email at sfrazer@centralctcommunications.com.

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