New London police officer dies on duty

NEW LONDON — He was called a "gentle giant." Officer Wilson Velazquez of the New London Police Department died while on duty Sunday. Velazquez, an Army veteran, was a mechanic for the Cleveland Fire Department and a part-time officer in New London. He started working for the NLPD in 2006 as a reserve officer and wasn't promoted to part-time until 2019. He worked 1 to 4 days a month all those years. Acting Police Chief Joe Hicks said "He was content just to be a volunteer." Hicks described him as a "gentle giant" — 6'3 or 4 and maybe 250 pounds. Hicks called him "a selfless man — always a pleasure to work with. His service here is truly appreciated and he will be missed." An autopsy has been ordered, Hicks said, adding his family wants to have some kind of service in New London but nothing is set yet. He was found slumped over in his cruiser in the front parking lot of Firelands Fabrication, 201 N. Main St., according to reports. He died of an apparent heart attack. The couple who found him did CPR on him then he was then transported to Fisher-Titus Memorial Center. Jonna Rowland, who was the village clerk and worked with him during festivals described him as "the nicest, funniest guy — calm and nice." She said it seemed whenever he was needed, he would be there. "He was a good officer," Rowland said. Here is a post from the department's Facebook page. "Good evening community. It is with a heavy heart that I make this post. As many of you have already heard, we lost Officer Wilson F. Velazquez this afternoon at approximately 1320 hours. Officer Velazquez died from an unconfirmed medical emergency, while on duty. "Ofc. Velazquez was truly a gentle giant and had served our community proudly since 2006. He also worked full-time with the Cleveland Fire Department, a testament to the man he was and the character he possessed. A public servant through and through. Officer Velazquez your service has not went unrecognized. THANK YOU."