Chief Frederick Ryan with Officer Robert Smith, right, 2016 Officer of the Year. / APD photo
The Arlington Police Department recognized several members of the department for their commitment, service and lifesaving work over the past year at ceremonies held Thursday, March 2, at the Sons of Italy.
Robert Smith was named the 2016 Officer of the Year. Special Projects Clerk Jessica Walsh was named the 2016 Employee of the Year.
With just four years on the department, a news release said, Smith has consistently displayed the highest quality of police services, and he constantly performs his duties at a level that exceeds the expectations of his supervisors.
Of note, his aggressive and intelligent investigative efforts led to the quick arrest of a suspect in the April 2016 armed robbery of the Kickstand Cafe.
He was also involved in a standoff with a mentally ill man who brandished a large knife at police last December, threatening to kill them. Officer Smith and other officers on scene used the latest de-escalation techniques to bring the incident to a close without injury to anyone involved.
“Officer Smith takes great pride in his work as a police officer, and it shows every day,” Chief Fred Ryan said in the release. “He is professional and polite in dealing with the public, and he is an excellent ambassador for the Arlington Police Department.”
In 2016, Walsh worked tirelessly with the Arlington Police Department staff to resurrect the Arlington Citizens Police Academy, which ran for eight weeks. Walsh coordinated scheduling, arranged numerous training courses, and worked diligently to make the academy a great success.
She is also a vital part of the Arlington Police Opiate Outreach Program, which has been active in working to combat the heroin epidemic that has spread across Middlesex County and beyond. She also serves as the department’s social-media coordinator.
“Jessica brings tremendous energy to the Arlington Police Department,” Ryan said. “Public trust and confidence is vital to our success, and Jessica’s work with technology and social media has expanded our footprint and allowed the Department to reach a wider audience than ever before.”
Opening remarks were given by Diane M. Mahon, chair of the Arlington Board of Selectmen, and Town Manager Adam W. Chapdelaine.
A number of other officers were also recognized, including:
Top Gun Award: Sgt. David Martin
Excellence in Leadership Award: Officer Brandon Wenz
Certificates of commendation:
• Sgt. Brian Fennelly
• Dispatcher Courtney Giannetti
• Officer Robert Smith
• Officer William Milner
• Sgt. Bryan Gallagher
• Officer Brett Blanciforti
• Sgt. Scott Paradis
• Inspector Gina Bassett
• Officer Neil Simard
• Sgt. Michael Flynn
• Inspector James Smith
Meritorious service ribbons:
• Officer Dennis Mahoney
• Officer Michael Hogan
• Officer Jennifer McGurl
• Sgt. James Kiernan
• Officer Paul Collins
• Sgt. Gregory Flavin
• Officer Scott Urquhart
• Officer Thomas Kelly
• Officer Brendan Flynn
• Officer Nicholas Stotik
• Officer Robert Smith
Lifesaving ribbons:
• Sgt. Bryan Gallagher
• Officer Scott Urquhart
• Officer Nicholas Stotik
• Sgt. David Martin
• Officer Thomas Kelly
• Officer Alexander Stotik
• Officer Michael Foley
The Arlington Police Department, comprising about 90 civilian and sworn men and women strives to be a modern and progressive public safety agency. In recent years, the department has championed a number of community-based causes, including the Restorative Justice Model, Community Policing and the Arlington Police Opiate Outreach Program, which pairs police officers and public health workers seeking to provide resources and aid to those suffering from the disease of addiction.
Dec,. 23, 2016: SWAT team aids in capture of armed man, residents’ escape
March 31, 2016: 2 charged in robbery at Kickstand that police say was staged
This news announcement was published Friday, March 3, 2017.
