State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras announced the recipients of the 2021 University Police Awards, which honor lieutenants, officers and staff who played a key role in life-saving events in the past year, as well as others on the New York University Police force for their outstanding professional service.
Police officers Edward Dowd, Michelle Mori and Richard Sotomayer received Life Saving Awards, which recognize university police who helped save lives during the past year. Lieutenant Zachary Lee and Investigator Stephen Kiefer received Professional Service Awards, which recognize members for acts that greatly enhance the operation of their departments. They were recognized by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association in a ceremony in Saratoga Springs, NY, on November 16.
“I want to congratulate this year’s University Police Award recipients who time and time again, and without hesitation, work to keep our students and our entire campus communities safe,” said SUNY Chancellor Malatras. “These awards recognize our officer’s extraordinary acts of heroism, selfless service, courage under pressure and above all, their unwavering commitment to our campuses. It is with immense pride and profound appreciation that we thank the winners for their service to SUNY.”
“This awards ceremony has always been a highlight for the University Police each year,” said University Commissioner Mary Ritayik. “It is a time to come together to acknowledge those members that have gone above and beyond their duties. In a time where society is currently focused on law enforcement, praise and appreciation for the jobs our officers do, now more than ever, is extremely important for them. It is imperative that we continue to honor our officers and acknowledge them for the risks they take to help others in need, the lives that they’ve saved, and their efforts and contributions that they make to their departments in order to ensure that the New York State University Police remains a professional leader in law enforcement. Our men and women of the New York State University Police are some of the finest officers in law enforcement today.”
“I extend my congratulations to the Stony Brook University Police Officers that were recognized for their life saving and professional actions. The Stony Brook UPD prides itself on training and readiness for a variety of emergencies, and these instances are just a small sample of the outstanding work these officers do everyday to keep the campus community safe, healthy and secure. I am proud of the services they provide and thank them all for their dedication to our community,” said Lawrence Zacarese, Vice President for Enterprise Risk Management and Chief Security Officer.
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