Fifteen officers and three public safety dispatchers have been recognized for outstanding and dedicated acts of professional policing during 2021, the East Hampton Town Police Department announced recently.
Chief Michael Sarlo had this to say about the award winners: “From saving lives under high-stress pressure situations, to developing intricate cases and using their investigative, interview, and deductive-reasoning skills to work through challenging criminal cases, to just plain old-fashioned work ethic in going above and beyond the call of duty for the public, our officers regularly demonstrate professionalism and excellence in their daily work. We are proud of their efforts and thank them all for their service to the department and the citizens of East Hampton.”
James Gesa was named Police Officer of the Year. Officer Gesa, who assisted with a major narcotics and weapons investigation while leading patrol in overall and felony arrests and handling the second-most calls for service, also received the Excellent Police Service award and the Chief’s Recognition award.
Officer Tyler Gilbride, who led the department in handling 807 calls during the year, also received a Chief’s Recognition award, as did Officer Andrea Kess. She also won an award for Excellent Police Service.
Officers Ross Hamilton, Joseph Izzo, Nick Lloyd, David Martin, Michelle Miller, James Patterson, and Denis Shea all received departmental recognition awards.
Detective Dave Orlando was awarded Meritorious Police Service honors.
Other recipients of the chief’s Recognition Award were Officer Bradley Hughes and three public safety dispatchers: Stephen Graham, Darlene Semlear, and Patrick Harden.
Finally, three officers received awards for lifesaving: Phil Marino, Robert Lucas, and Patrick Royal.
“The award recipients represent the best of what community policing and proactive, professional law enforcement is all about,” Chief Sarlo said.
In other police news, Det. C. Earl Hopson announced his retirement after 20 years of service with the town police.
“Earl is a very popular and respected member of the community and earned a tremendous amount of respect for his professional capabilities amongst his peers,” said Chief Sarlo.
Detective Hopson was a two-time recipient of the Officer of the Year award, the chief added, and “a vital member of the Suffolk District Attorney’s East End drug task force. . . . We are going to miss him and everything he brought to the table.”