Meet Our Team

Nick DeFazio

President & Founder

As the founder and president of the Honor Them Hockey Foundation, Nick has seamlessly blended a life of service with a newfound passion for ice hockey. With 14 years in the Bristol Police Department—nine of those on the SWAT team and six as a detective—Nick understands dedication, teamwork, and high-pressure decision-making.

Though hockey wasn’t part of his upbringing, his love for the sport ignited when his son started playing in 2022. That same year, tragedy struck, inspiring what would become a deeply personal mission. In 2023-2024, Nick channeled that passion into creating the Honor Them Hockey Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring our heroes and their legacies through the sport.

As the team’s first captain, Nick leads with determination—proving that going from “I’ve never played” to “I’ll take that face-off” is all part of the journey. When he’s not running the foundation or learning to skate, he ensures the team is built on leadership, camaraderie, and a commitment to leaving no one behind—on or off the ice.

Conor Hogan

Vice President

Conor is a founding member of the Honor Them Hockey Foundation, bringing extensive public safety and charitable experience. With 18 years in the field, he currently serves as a patrolman for the City of Bristol and is a member of the Central Region Emergency Response Team (SWAT). Previously, he worked as a K-9 handler from 2014-2023.

Beyond law enforcement, Conor has held board positions with the Bristol Police Benevolent Association, the Bristol Heroes Fund, and the Bristol Police Union. He actively participates in two major cycling fundraisers each year—the Pan-Mass Challenge for Dana-Farber and the Police Unity Tour for the National Police Memorial. He also founded the Bristol Police Fund the First initiative, which raised over $1.1 million for the families of Alex Hamzy and Dustin Demonte.

Conor, a devoted husband and father of two, enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors, and, of course, playing hockey with his family. He was part of the CHL Fall 2023 Tier 7 Championship team and the Winter 2024 Tier 6 Championship team.

Katie Verillo

Director of Personnel and Apparel

Katie Verillo has been a dedicated member of the Bristol Police Department since 2015, currently serving in the Traffic Division. Her passion for community service extends beyond law enforcement, as she has actively worked with the Special Olympics and spearheaded numerous fundraisers.

As the Director of Personnel and Apparel for the Honor Them Hockey Foundation, Katie ensures smooth team operations while also designing creative apparel to support the foundation’s mission. A lifelong equestrian competitor, she has been riding horses since the age of three. She also played field hockey in high school, which fueled her appreciation for the sport.

A longtime hockey fan, Katie finally took to the ice herself—thanks to encouragement from Nick and other foundation members—a decision she now wishes she had made sooner. With her dynamic personality and strong commitment, she brings invaluable energy to the foundation.

Joseph Accarpio

Chairman of Social Media

Joseph Accarpio has been a police officer with the Town of Plainville since 2018, serving as a Field Training Officer and a member of the regional SWAT team. As Chairman of Social Media for the Honor Them Hockey Foundation, he focuses on expanding outreach and keeping the community informed.

Passionate about hockey, Joseph enjoys using his experience in the sport to mentor and inspire others. His goal is to make a lasting impact both in law enforcement and through community engagement, fostering stronger connections and supporting those around him.

Brian Choquette

Treasurer

Brian Choquette is the Managing Partner of Kobiona, an energy advisory firm based in New Haven, CT, specializing in helping large commercial and industrial organizations navigate restructured energy markets. With expertise in energy procurement, risk management, and cost optimization, Brian provides strategic guidance to businesses across the U.S.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son and boating on Candlewood Lake. Brian plays a key role in ensuring the organization’s financial health while supporting its mission to strengthen and serve the community through hockey.

Tim Hall

Director of Wellness

Tim Hall recently retired from the Bristol Police Department after more than a decade of service. As a patrolman, he took on multiple roles, including Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Unit member, and involvement in a robbery suppression detail. Certified in CIT, CISD, and PEER support, Tim was committed to officer wellness throughout his career.

In 2024, he earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William James College and is now a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A). Tim specializes in mental health counseling for first responders, military personnel, and veterans, addressing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics.

Currently working at Hopewell Health Solutions in Glastonbury, CT, Tim spends his free time hiking with his son, enjoying music and movies with his wife, and exploring creative hobbies like painting miniatures and gaming.

Mike Duval

Secretary

Mike Duval has been a police officer since 2002, holding various ranks including patrol officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant. He currently serves as the Detective Lieutenant at the Bristol Police Department, overseeing a division of three sergeants and 19 detectives. Additionally, he has held board positions in the Bristol Police Benevolent Association and the local police union.

Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s degree in Education. His newest role as Secretary of the Honor Them Hockey Foundation allows him to contribute to the organization’s growth, a mission he believes will have a lasting impact on Connecticut.

Living in Bristol with his wife and three children, Mike spent years driving his sons to hockey practices before finally lacing up his own skates at age 48. The sport has given him more than just a pastime—it has provided camaraderie, exertion, and inspiration. Now, he hopes to share that experience with others.