OSWEGO – Mayor Billy Barlow announced yesterday Investigator Brian Graves has been chosen as the 2020 Oswego City Police Officer of the Year and Investigator Chris Pritchard has been chosen as the 2021 Officer of the Year.
The Police Officer of the Year Award is presented to a member of the Oswego Police Department who unselfishly, both on -duty and off-duty, distinguishes themself in the community by the performance of acts which further enhance the reputation and standing of the Oswego Police Department, as well as contributing to the overall quality of life in the City of Oswego.
Acts such as, but not limited to, volunteering in the community, involvement in community events and functions, being accessible to the public, walking neighborhoods, stopping at businesses, etc. may all be considered. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department did not hold the annual Officer of the Year reception at the Elk’s Club.
“Investigator Brian Graves and Investigator Chris Pritchard both have exemplary records as police officers and do their jobs with passion, dedication, integrity and care,” Barlow said. “I commend them on being nominated by their peers and their continued good work in the department serving the community.”
Investigator Brian Graves was chosen as the 2020 police officer of the year for his outstanding work as a police officer and his community-oriented actions. Graves was integral in establishing the neighborhood enforcement team (NET).
Within his role in NET, Graves met with community groups, business owners, concerned citizens to address their concerns and was effective in communicating with them. His commitment to his duties within NET was apparent as he was able to alleviate many community concerns. Graves was active in drug enforcement and made neighborhoods safer by seizing drugs and received recognition for seizing an illegal handgun.
In his off-duty time, Investigator Graves distinguished himself by his selfless acts in his volunteer work. He is active at many community events and volunteers his time to coach a local youth basketball team.
Investigator Chris Pritchard was chosen as the 2021 police officer of the year for his work as a police officer and his community involvement. During his police duties, Chris Pritchard had several notable achievements.
Pritchard applied a tourniquet to an individual that was bleeding profusely from a deep laceration. This resulted in help preventing long-term injury, potentially helping save that person’s life. Investigator Pritchard was diligent in monitoring the radio and responded to the town of Oswego where he administered naloxone to an individual. County police units were 20 minutes away and the ambulance crew could not enter due to a possibility of violence. Investigator Pritchard took it upon himself to assist the ambulance crew and help an individual in need.
While not working, Chris volunteers his time with the Town of Oswego Fire Department.
“Brian and Chris are shining examples of our department’s commitment to our community both on and off duty. Both are well regarded as hard workers that strive for excellence every day,” said Phil Cady, chief of the Oswego Police Department. “It was no surprise to me when their supervisors and coworkers chose them for this award.”
missing or outdated ad config