Community shocked by officer's suicide

WINSTED — Police and community members remained in mourning this week after Winchester Police officer Philip “PJ� Bialoglowy II was found dead at his home. Over the weekend, the state Medical Examiner’s office officially ruled the death a suicide.

Bialoglowy, 39, was found by fellow officers Feb. 11 in his Shore Drive home, the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An investigation into his death is being performed by the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad. A spokesperson for the state police said “there was no criminal aspect� to Bialoglowy’s death.

Those close to Bialoglowy said he was a friendly, seemingly happy person who took his job seriously.

“Police officers have the tremendous responsibility to protect our community and PJ did it well,� Mayor Candy Perez said Tuesday night before holding a moment of silence for the fallen officer.

Interim Town Manager Wayne Dove said Winchester Police Chief Nicholas Guerriero “was working 24-7 to take care of the entire force and relatives of PJ.�

No one could offer a conclusive explanation of Bialoglowy’s suicide. As recently as three weeks ago, the officer was walking the downtown beat in Winsted and a photo of him was featured in this newspaper. He appeared happy and congenial the following week when he came in to say hello.

Born in Waterbury on Sept. 23, 1970, Bialoglowy was the son of Philip John Bialoglowy and Margaret Robinson. He grew up in Litchfield, attended the University of New Haven and later completed his bachelor’s degree while working as a police officer in Winsted, where he had worked since 1997. He was a member of the ERT Team and the Northwest Regional Accident Investigation team. He was a certified reconstructionist and the union president.

A 20-year member of the Litchfield Fire Department, Bialoglowy was also involved with Litchfield Ambulance and had been a paramedic for Campion Ambulance. He was a coach and mentor for Overlook Sports Association in Waterbury.

In addition to his parents, Bialoglowy is survived by his son, Drew Bialoglowy; stepdaughters, Jessica and Sarah Lynn, and their mother, Karen Bialoglowy; a brother, Keith Bialoglowy and his fianceé, Danielle LaFleur; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law; mother-in-law, Joan Brown; his father’s fiancee, Valerie Jo Gavagan; and his godparents, Barbara Chabot and Richard Bialoglowy.

More than 200 people attended a Mass for Bialoglowy Monday at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield. Burial was to be held at Hillside Cemetery, Torrington.

Memorial donations may be made to the Drew Bialoglowy Educational Fund, in care of First National Bank of Litchfield, PO Box 578, Litchfield 06759.