ROCKLAND — Officer Andrew Redden has been selected as the 2016 Police Officer and Employee of the Year at the Rockland Police Department.

The selection criteria for the award is based on the performance of duties that demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to the principles of the mission of the Rockland Police Department, said Police Chief Bruce Boucher in a news release.

The nominating committee for the award consisted of the Deputy Chief, one supervisor, one officer and one civilian employee. Redden was the unanimous choice of the committee this year.

“During your nine-year tenure with the department, you have developed into a patrol officer for all to admire. It is evident that your dedication to the department and its patrol division goals is second to none,” said Boucher in a letter to Redden.

Boucher referred to an incident on Dec. 1, around 12:15 a.m., as an example of Redden’s service.

“You along with other officers responded to a report at a home of a suicide attempt. You are credited with cutting down the male who had attempted to hang himself. If it were not for your quick actions, the male would have probably died.”

Boucher said that Redden is concerned with the safety of the general public and that his proactive traffic enforcement efforts for the department during 2016 were exemplary.

“Over the past year Redden has been listed as the primary officer on 796 calls, has 83 cleared adult arrest cases, including 20 for OUI, the second most in the department.”

The Chief recognized Redden for doing a herculean job as a field training officer this past year.

“You have conducted field training officer programs on the last three new hires. All three had little or no prior law enforcement experience. Your oversight of this accomplishment with the department’s field training program resulted in the success of the three officers who have completed this program this year. This activity took up most of your time and energy this year.

“Your peers have stated that you are often their go to source of information. This is due to your demeanor and ability to both lead by example and instruct. You are someone who is often sought for professional advice. Particularly on driving while impaired and drug cases.

“Many times you are contacted while off duty with questions regarding your expertise because of your understanding and knowledge of the department’s policy and procedure manual. Your ability to lead by example is also a motivator to many. You possess that intangible quality of leadership sought by a majority in the Patrol Division regardless of their seniority or experience,” said Boucher.

“Officer Redden leads by example day in and day out. Not only by the amount and quality of work he performs but by the manner in which he performs it, always putting the agency first,” said Boucher.

Boucher also praised Redden’s commitment to the department and community as exemplary and consistently exhibiting professionalism and a positive attitude.

“You have distinguished yourself in every possible way and I can think of no one more worthy of the honor of Police Officer/Employee of the Year for 2016,” said Boucher.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com