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2009/2010 Awards Summary
Officer of the Month
These awards are being presented to officers of
the Brockport Police Department who have been recommended for a specific
month where an outstanding level of police work has been performed.
During the month of September 2007, Officer
Brian Wining responded to 127 calls for service and made a total of 58
arrests that included 2 felonies, 6 misdemeanors and 50 violations a DWI
crash arrest as well as the apprehension and arrest of two predicate
felons.
During the month of September 2007, Officer
Lucas VanDervort, responded to 259 calls for service, made 57 arrests,
two of which were DWI arrests. Officer VanDervort also accrued
approximately 18 hours of directed bike patrol patrolling neighborhoods
and high crime areas.
During the month of September 2009, Officer Kelly
McCracken responded to 202 calls for service took 17 reports and made 58
arrests. Additionally she issued 23 parking tickets. Off. McCracken
also headed up a stabbing investigation that occurred on State St. and
resulted in arrests of those responsible for the assault.
During the month of May 2010 Officer Cranston
responded to 231 calls for service, took 17 reports and made 28
arrests. Additionally he wrote 59 parking tickets. Off. Cranston
assisted with two major investigations one of which was a strong arm
robbery that resulted in an arrest of a suspect.
Commendation Award
This award is being presented to an officer who
has distinguished himself by performing in a manner substantially beyond
normal expectations in similar circumstances or who performs an
extraordinary credible and unusual police accomplishment.
On February 14 2009, at about 5:12 a.m. Officer
Stephen Mesiti was met at the front door of the police department by a
woman who had been shot several times and obviously very hysterical.
Officer Mesiti immediately began to render first aid and calmed the
woman down so he could obtain information that she was frantically
attempting to communicate to him. While doing all this he notified the
ECD dispatcher of what had happened and made sure that the victim was
being further cared for by Off. McCracken. He then responded to
Lakeside Hospital parking lot where he observed two people who had been
fatally shot. Not knowing if the shooter was still in the area he
maintained control of his emotions and performed his job without
hesitation, reservation or consideration for his own safety. After you
confirmed that both victims were in fact deceased you then secured the
crime scene preserving the evidence that was left from the shooter while
maintaining radio contact with the dispatcher and even answering a
telephone call from me who was out of town at the time. Once additional
officers arrived from our department, SUNY Brockport Police Department,
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Ogden Police Department you then
assisted at the command post while taking responsibility for the
investigation. Throughout the next two weeks you worked day and night
with investigators of the Monroe County Major Crimes Unit. As usual,
you represented the Brockport Police Department as the consummate
professional you are. While you certainly couldn’t do anything to
prevent what occurred on that date and time you did do what you could do
and ensured the person responsible for these heinous crimes was arrested
and convicted of his actions.
Excellent Police Service Award
This award is being presented to an officer of
the Brockport Police Department who by continued intelligent and
valuable service demonstrating special faithfulness or perseverance over
a period of time has distinguished himself by actions which are beyond
those required by his position, which result in a significant
contribution towards the improvement of the Brockport Police Dept. or
its members.
During this Officer’s career, and more
specifically over the last two years, Officer Paul Wheat has been a
steadfast and consistent example of excellence in policing. Off. Wheat
takes enormous pride in his work and constantly strives to not only meet
but exceed the goals and objectives of the department and platoon. Off
Wheat is a trainer, leader and invaluable member of the first platoon.
Off Wheat frequently finds himself the officer in charge and performs
admirably, mentoring his fellow officers towards achieving excellence.
On October 2, 2008 Off. Wheat attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic
violations. The vehicle failed to stop and while attempting to elude
Officer Wheat and other officers he rammed into Off Steve Mesiti’s
patrol car. Following these actions the suspect then led both Officer
Wheat and Officer Mesiti on a pursuit south on Rt. 19. The suspect
eventually ran off the road into a field where Off. Wheat attempted to
take the male suspect into custody. The suspect immediately advanced on
and engaged Officer Wheat while he attempted to use his TASAR weapon to
incapacitate the suspect. As the suspect fought with Officer Wheat he
grabbed and twisted the TASER in such a way that caused a compound
fracture to Officer Wheat's right index finger. For those of you who
don’t know a compound fracture occurs when a bone is broken and then
protrudes from the skin. Off Wheat, in the finest tradition of policing,
ignored his injury and continued his efforts to control the suspect
until Off. Mesiti arrived to assist moments later. Initially Officer
Wheat was told that he most likely wouldn’t be able to shoot effectively
after breaking his “trigger finger” and may not be able to return to
work in the future. After surgery and months of rehabilitation, Off
Wheat returned to work where he continues to perform his duties without
complaint and with the highest traditions of Law Enforcement.
Life Saving Award
Presented to a member of the Brockport Police
Department who in the performance of their duty, renders medical first
aid of a distinguished or unusually credible nature to a person who's
life is in immediate jeopardy, and does so in a manner that most
certainly sustained the person and enabled such person to be delivered
alive to a medical facility.
On January 21st, 2009 Officer Stephen Mesiti was
called to the area of 15 Erie St. for an assault in progress. Once
there, Off. Mesiti located a male who was bleeding profusely from a gash
to his upper right arm. It was later found that the male had put his
arm through a plate glass window lacerating his brachial artery.
Recognizing that the male was in jeopardy of bleeding to death, Off.
Mesiti immediately contained the male who was highly intoxicated and
uncooperative. Off. Mesiti applied a tourniquet using a belt he had
obtained from a bystander and was able to slow the flow of blood from
the mans arm. Despite his efforts to save the mans life, the male
continued to struggle at one point forcing Off. Mesiti to literally lie
on top of the male while still maintaining pressure on the wound to
control the bleeding. Once EMS arrived Off. Mesiti continued to assist
with the injured person until he was safely transported to a medical
facility. Confirmation by the Strong Memorial ED Physician commenting
to EMS that the quick actions by the police saved this mans life.
Life Saving Award
On November, 10th 2009 Officer Lucas VanDervort
responded to a residence for the report of a 19yr old male unconscious
and not breathing. Off VanDervort’s quick response put him on scene
within a minute of the call. The victim was located lying on the floor
in the living room medically deceased. Off. VanDervort immediately
began CPR and with the assistance of the Fire Chief, used the AED to
defibrillate the Victim several times. Off. VanDervort continued life
saving procedures until EMS arrived with advanced care. Off VanDervort,
who is also a paramedic assisted EMS by intibating the victim so rescue
breathing could be performed. Ultimately the victim was transported to
Lakeside Hospital with a pulse and is alive today. Off VanDervort has
also been recognized by Senator Jim Alesi who presented him with the
JOANNA Award in recognition of his life saving work.
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award may be presented to
any employee of the Brockport Police Department who has shown a
commitment to the welfare of the community beyond the normal call of
duty. Such commitment can be demonstrated in a single act or in a
series of acts that focus on advancing the quality of life of village
residents. These acts may range from exceptional job related community
interaction, to volunteer or community service work during the
employee's own time.
Officer Brian Winant during the past year
accomplished the following:
* Supported the Pro-Brockport Group
and enhanced police/community relationships throughout a very trying
time.
* Created and distributed the
Fastest Response Time Bumper stickers in a means to educate the public
regarding the value of local policing.
* Lead contract negotiations and
made concessions that benefited the community
* Attends Village Board Meetings
then distributes information to advert “rumors” and/or
misunderstandings.
* Coordinated the creation and
installation of the “Home Town Hero Banner” program.
* Coordinated the collection of
food for the Brockport Food Shelf
* Coordinated the Blood Drive in
Honor of Sweden deceased Judge William Cody
* Coordinated the raising of money
in the form of a raffle so future community events can be sponsored.
I don’t believe anyone is more deserving of
this award than Officer Brian Winant.
Excellent Police Service
Award
These awards are being presented to officers of
the Brockport Police Department who by continued intelligent and
valuable service demonstrating special faithfulness or perseverance over
a period of time have distinguished themselves by actions which are
beyond those required by their position, which result in a significant
contribution towards the improvement of the Brockport Police Dept. or
its members.
Sgt. Adam Mesiti,
Is presently the 3rd platoon supervisor. He chairs both the awards
committee and the hiring committee. Years ago he developed our new
patch that we proudly wear on our uniforms, he coordinates special
investigations, oversees the property clerk’s office, and is the in
house expert for authoring search warrants. Furthermore he was tasked
by me to establish incident command posts and supervise both the Brock
the Port events that were held in the village. He answers calls for
service and makes arrests as necessary. He also assisted Lt. Cuzzupoli
in the command post during the Garcia Homicide investigation. Sgt.
Mesiti’s loyalty, ability to deal with subordinates and commitment to
the position of police sergeant is commendable. As such he is awarded
the Excellent Police Service Award.
Sgt.
Mark Philippy,
Is presently the 3rd platoon supervisor. Sgt.
Philippy writes and manages the majority of grants for the Brockport
Police Department. He is our senior training instructor, and firearms
instructor. He oversees all training, created our sex offender
notification program and continues to coordinate all aspects of the
program, he supervises the STOP DWI and other traffic enforcement
programs. He answers calls for service and makes arrests as necessary.
He is also our Safety and Health Coordinator and is our resident IT
expert. Sgt. Philippy’s attention to detail, ability to create and/or
manage programs with little or no guidance from me and commitment to the
position of Police Sergeant is commendable. As such he is awarded the
Excellent Police Service Award.
Lt.
Mark Cuzzupoli,
Loyalty, intelligence, commitment, and integrity
are just a few words that come to my mind when I think of the next
recipient and in fact are some words that summarize the last three years
of Lt. Mark Cuzzupoli’s career with the Brockport Police Department.
Upon the retirement of Administrative Sergeant Douglas Ziegler, Sergeant
Mark Cuzzupoli was assigned to the 2nd platoon and entrusted with the
duties of Administrative Sergeant. The first assignment for Sgt.
Cuzzupoli was to begin the re-accreditation process of the Brockport
Police Department. In order to move this process forward all General
Orders had to be reviewed and many orders updated and rewritten.
Throughout the next two years former Sergeant Cuzzupoli managed the
accreditation process making sure that the Brockport Police Department
and its Officers met the high standards and fulfilled all of the
requirements set forth by NYS. In October of 2009, the Brockport Police
Department once again passed this rigorous test and remains a State
Accredited Agency.
Lt. Cuzzupoli is presently the 2nd platoon
supervisor. He also answers calls for service and makes arrests as well
as being my right hand man. Furthermore Lt. Cuzzupoli oversees fleet
maintenance, warrants, is the ECD Liaison, coordinates SPARTAC efforts,
is in charge of special events and also completes the monthly
scheduling. As if this isn’t enough Lt. Cuzzupoli without question,
hesitation or guidance assumes my duties and responsibilities when I’m
away and does so with the utmost professionalism.
On February 11, 2009 I left to go out of town,
and as usual I left former Sgt. Cuzzupoli in charge. On February 14,
2009 at 5:12 a.m. I was contacted by ECD and informed of a triple
shooting with two people dead in our jurisdiction. I immediately
contacted Sgt. Cuzzupoli as he was on his way in to handle an incident
that would have rattled even the most experienced command officer. Sgt.
Cuzzupoli updated me on what limited information he had while keeping a
calm and professional demeanor. Over the next 12 hours the sergeant
worked in conjunction with the Monroe and Ontario County Sheriffs
Departments and other law enforcement agencies. While doing so he
handled tactical and investigative issues, coordinated activities within
the command post, conducted three separate media conferences and
continued to keep me apprised of the situation on a minute by minute
basis. By mid afternoon the suspect had been captured and was
eventually convicted of multiple murder charges. Lt. Cuzzupoli’s
accomplishments that day clearly represented the Village of Brockport
and The Police Department with the highest degree of professionalism.
I can’t think of a more deserving person than Lt.
Cuzzupoli to be a recipient of such a distinguished award. |
