Pictured: Paul Wojcik, law-and-order chair for the Legion’s six-county 5th District reads from the American Legion Correctional Officer of the Year Award plaque before presenting it to Sgt. Clayton Bramhall of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Behind them are other honorees: (From left) Utica Deputy Fire Chief Mark Ambrose, who was named Firefighter of the Year; Utica Police Capt. David Mickle, who was named Police Officer of the Year; and Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, whose department was honored as Police Department of the Year.
(Lee Center, NY – June 2014) The Utica Police and Fire Departments and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office were in the spotlight for top cop and firefighter awards at the 95th Oneida County American Legion Convention held June 7 at Lee Legion Post 1794.
With 2013-2014 County Commander David Novotny presiding, county and 5th District Law-and-Order Chairs Frank Cassella and Paul Wojcik, respectively, presented the 2014 first responder awards. (The 5th American Legion District encompasses the counties of Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego.)
“There’s a very clear relationship and mutual respect between veterans and police,” noted Utica Police Capt. David Mickle, recipient of both the county and district Police Officer of the Year awards. “We are called upon to put our lives on the line. That’s a special bond we share.”
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, accepting the Oneida County American Legion Police Department of the Year Award, gave a shout-out to Utica Post 229 for nominating the UPD. Saying the post was extremely supportive of the fire and police departments, he noted: “Your public outreach does not go unnoticed.”
Utica Deputy Fire Chief Mark Ambrose was named both county and district Firefighter of the Year.
Sgt. Clayton Bramhall of Oneida County Sheriff’s Office received both county and district honors as Correctional Officer of the Year.