West Hartford Police Department Community Relations Officer Lauren Rieger was honored with the ‘Build No Fences’ Award at the 38th ‘Breakfast on the Bridge’ Wednesday morning at West Hartford Town Hall.

By Ronni Newton

Each September, the Breakfast on the Bridge is an eagerly anticipated event, a time-honored tradition just after the new school year resumes for Bridge Family Center staff and board members, educators, administrators, elected officials, members of the West Hartford Police Department’s Community Relations Division, and other town leaders to have an opportunity to network and celebrate the work the organization does in support of the town’s families and children.

Also eagerly anticipated is the presentation – a well guarded surprise to the recipient – of the “Build No Fences Award.”

Doreen Tarascio, director of Development and Communications for the Bridge, noted the importance of bringing the diverse group people together. “That’s really what Bridge Family Center is, We are not a building, nor a program list. We are a set of relationships – between teachers and administrators, between town officials and case managers, between families and staff who pick up the phone. Relationships that turn ‘someone should do something’ into ‘here’s what I did,” Tarascio said.

She said teachers are often the first to notice changes in children or their families, and it’s important that they have the trust in the relationship with the Bridge to make that initial referral. “Trust like this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built, meeting by meeting, budget line by budget line, by town officials willing to say that family support is core infrastructure – as basic as roads and schools.”

Board of Directors President Bob Laurie said life has changed in many ways since he was a student – but one thing that hasn’t changed is “the people on the front lines, the teachers, the guidance counselors, the community service officers, the principals. … and the impact you all have on the kids.” The breakfast is the Bridge’s opportunity to express thanks and gratitude, he said, wishing everyone luck and a great school year, “because you really do make a difference.”

Tarascio had the honor of announcing the Build No Fences Award recipient – who she said is someone whose job “doesn’t sit neatly inside one department. It sits between them – between the police department and the school, between a hallway and a home, between a kid having a bad day and a kid having a bad year.”

From the reaction of shock and surprise on the face of West Hartford Police Department Community Relations Officer Lauren Rieger, it was clear that the secret had been well kept.

“When Ofc. Rieger notices something – a pattern of absences, a disclosure in the hallway, a fight that’s really about something at home – that observation doesn’t stay isolated,” Tarascio said. “It moves. It goes to the school counselor, it goes to an administrator. In the cases that call for it, it goes to the Bridge Family Center, and a family gets connected to support before things escalate into a crisis.

As part of the police department’s Community Relations team, Rieger works at multiple schools, including Bristow Middle School and Bugbee, Charter Oak International Academy, Webster Hill, Whiting Lane, and Wolcott elementary schools.

Tarascio also read aloud some of the comments about Rieger that she had received from her colleagues.

“Ofc. Rieger creates safe, supportive boundaries while never building barriers between herself and others,” commented Middle School Counseling Therapist Jasmine Weaver. “She is approachable, transparent, and consistently informative, helping students and staff feel included, seen, and understood, rather than judged or punished.” Weaver also noted that Rieger “fosters trust and connection,” and as a police officer earns respect rather than demanding it.

Sgt. Joseph Hopkins, Community Relations supervisor, said it was no surprise that Rieger was nominated to receive the award. “For the past three years, Ofc. Rieger has been an integral member of the Community Relations Division, making a meaningful impact on both the division and the community we serve,” Hopkins commented. He noted that she has had a passion for community policing since joining the department in 2016.

“Her ambition and commitment to building strong relationships have made her a true collaborator and an important part of positive change and growth within the division. Through her dedication and willingness to work across traditional boundaries, Ofc. Rieger consistently builds bridges, creates meaningful partnerships, and continues to strengthen the relationship between our department and community,” added Hopkins, noting that she truly embodies the spirit of the Build No Fences Award.

Megan Polte, clinical director of Community and School Services for the Bridge, praised Rieger’s deep commitment to student success. “She consistently shows up for students during difficult moments and remains by their side as they work toward achieving their goals and celebrating their successes.” She is also approachable and has a great ability to connect with young people,” Polte added in her comments.

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