Two Norwalk sergeants honored for boat rescue as chief reports lower overall crime and flags e-bike enforcement challenges

Two Sergeants recognized for rescue; department reports mixed crime trends

The Norwalk Police Commission on July 20 honored Sergeant Justin Biseglia and Sergeant David Geismar as co-officers of the month for June after the pair rescued a boater from a burning 36-foot sailboat near Bell Island on June 14. Chief Walsz said the officers arrived after a marine radio alert, pulled the male skipper from the bow and attempted to extinguish the engine-room fire; the skipper was medically evaluated and found uninjured.

Why it matters

The recognition came as the chief delivered his monthly executive report showing overall declines in several categories of crime but a continued uptick in proactive enforcement actions categorized in department data as "crimes against society," such as narcotics and self-initiated enforcement. Commissioners used the report to press the department on staffing, promotions, and enforcement priorities.

The rescue and the chief's report

"Justin and David were recognized for their efforts on 06/14/2026 when they both saved the boater from his vessel that was on fire," Chief Walsz said, describing the arrival near the Milwaukee Yacht Club and the decision to transfer the boater to the Darien police boat and then to shore after fire personnel extinguished the blaze. "Your dedication and professionalism during this very dangerous response demonstrated true heroism in the line of duty."

In the executive report, Chief Walsz said the department had 184 sworn personnel at the end of June, noted several temporary acting promotions and training assignments, and reported sick days rose about 18% from May. He told the commission school-security spending for the year totaled $472,000 and was 94% expended.

Crime numbers and enforcement

The chief summarized year-over-year figures the department included in its packet: property crimes down about 8.4% (676 in 2024 vs. 619 in 2025) and crimes against persons down about 24.3% (2,024 vs. 1,531). He said the department's classification of "crimes against society" rose by roughly 21.4% (182 to 221), which he attributed to self-initiated actions such as narcotics enforcement and other proactive operations.

Deputy Chief Blake, who presented the operations report, said the detective bureau opened 38 cases in June compared with 28 the previous year, the special victims unit handled 40 cases (up from 26), and the marine unit responded to 67 calls and assisted or rescued nine people during the month. Overall calls for service in the city were about 6,096 for June, which Blake said is roughly 300 fewer than the prior year.

Questions from commissioners and e-bike enforcement

Commissioners asked how acting promotions were made after the chief reported two officers placed in acting ranks; the chief said those officers were next on the promotional-exam lists and that the chief has contractual authority to make acting appointments when vacancies are caused by long-term medical leave.

A commissioner raised recurring public concerns about electric-bike safety, describing fast, weaving riding by youths without helmets and asking whether the department would run an enforcement detail. Chief Walsz said enforcement has been ongoing, noting two arrests on July 3 and a recent recovery of a stolen e-bike, and described Connecticut's three-category e-bike classification enacted last year. He said the next step is public education for parents and continued messaging to reduce risky behavior.

What happens next

The commission moved on to routine personnel items and informational letters after the reports. The commission did not adopt new policy on e-bike enforcement at the meeting; Chief Walsz said the department will continue enforcement and outreach.