Ronald Catania, CFE, AVP and asset protection director, Bob's Stores, is one of ten people inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz hosted the event.
Ronald Catania was a member of the United States Air Force and served with a Special Intelligence Communication Unit at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968. He is a recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was disabled in the line of duty and used the opportunity of the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program to earn several degrees in law and retail security and ultimately earning a MBA from University of New Haven. He is a well-known champion of the disabled and challenged workers and the Return to Work Program for Military Veterans.
Mr. Catania has many organizational affiliations and professional accomplishments which include volunteering with the Connecticut National Guard during Hurricane Katrina, service with the American Red Cross with an emphasis on disaster preparedness for People with Disabilities and support of the Kleen Energy Plant. He has also been very involved in developing standards and educational curriculum for Safety and Security Officer training. He is a member of the Board of Directors of both the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and the Connecticut Veterans Memorial. He also serves on the University of Connecticut Advisory Board, and Chairs the Private Security Committee of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Member of the American Society for Industrial Security. As a Co-Chair of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, Ron has been instrumental in coordinating seminars with the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security on methods of deterring Workplace Violence and Terrorist Threats.
In 2001, he was a Special Volunteer for 911 taking donated footwear and clothing to New York City for Emergency Service personnel, Fire Fighters and Police. He distinguished himself by bringing these items to Ground Zero literally one day after the attacks. Additionally, for the next forty-eight hours he worked continuously to deliver and disperse the donated merchandise to Fire, Police, EMS and Volunteers at the site.
He has been a tireless and dedicated civic volunteer for the American Red Cross, UCONN, and Veterans Affairs. His advocacy for the rights of the disabled and challenged through the Special Olympics and legislative testimony on their behalf is exemplary and admirable. He has given a lifetime of service to his community, taken courageous actions to assist individuals in the aftermath of the tragedy of 911 and Hurricane Irene and invested his time to improve the safety and security of the citizens of Connecticut.
