Michael P. Mayko, Staff Writer
Updated 08:11 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2011
BRIDGEPORT -- A veteran police officer, who just a year ago received one of the Fairfield County Hero Awards for his work in fighting the East Side drug trade, has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an internal investigation.
The action was taken against David Uliano, 41, of Derby, after a video surfaced on a public website and remained there for several hours Wednesday. The video, which sources said involves a heated discussion with a woman, has since been taken down.
The Office of Internal Affairs is investigating the matter.
Although the mayor's office confirmed the action by Police Chief Joseph Gaudett, officials declined comment.
Meanwhile, Uliano has hired Robert John Gulash, a veteran defense attorney, who has represented several Bridgeport police officers over the years.
"All I can say is that I am representing him and the matter is under investigation," Gulash said, adding that he has not yet viewed the video.
This is the second time in recent months that the chief placed an officer on administrative leave with pay.
In May, this action was taken against Deputy Chief James Honis following an allegation that he assisted in covering up a prostitute's murder nearly 34 years ago. The allegation has led to an FBI investigation.
Honis, who is on paid leave, has not been charged with any crime.
Bridgeport police union lawyers will represent Honis during a hearing before the state Labor Board of Mediation and Arbitration in January.
Uliano, an 18-year veteran of the department and son of a police officer, was honored with his partner Sgt. Jason Amato on May 25, 2010, as one of Bridgeport Hospital's 2010 Fairfield County Heroes for their investigative work, which led to more than 140 drug and firearm arrests on the city's East Side.
Last month, a federal court jury in Hartford cleared Uliano and five other officers of using excessive force and making a false arrest of a Kossuth Street businessman during a parking dispute.
In 2004, Uliano was among the first of six police officers on the scene of a domestic dispute involving Jonathan Mosley on Central Avenue. When Mosley began swinging a bat above his head near Uliano, three other police officers fired, killing him.
All of the officers were cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation into their actions.
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