On May 15, the New Windsor Police Department held its 39th Annual Awards Ceremony, honoring and recognizing first responders for their actions in 2023. The department recognized 29 recipients with 55 awards. The ceremony is held during National Police Week each year. It aims to celebrate the contributions of department members and partners, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our community safe.
This year’s ceremony fell on National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to recognize those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Department Chaplain, Tony Ferraiuolo, reminded attendees of the 58 police officers already lost in 2024. Police Chief Dan Valeri echoed this in his remarks.
The chief went on to thank the family members present for their sacrifices and support, noting the long hours and missed family events and celebrations. “All of this is hard on a family,” he said. The chief reminded attendees of what it takes to be a police officer in today’s society – the roles officers must fill and the traits they must possess. “Every one of these men and women deserves to be recognized for the work that they do every day,” he said.
Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti agreed stating, “to be a police officer or a first responder in our current climate is a challenge to say the least, you will not find a better group of administrators, supervisors, police officers and civilian members than the New Windsor Police Department. Our residents should rest easy knowing that our officers are a phone call away in a time of need, whenever that may occur.
“As the ceremony continued, awards were presented to members of the New Windsor Police Department, Town of Cornwall Police Department, the City of Newburgh Fire Department and the Town of New Windsor Building and Grounds Department. The following awards were presented:
Civilian Recognition Award
Firefighter Octavious Fraser, City of Newburgh Fire Department
Special Recognition Award
Town of New Windsor Building & Grounds Department Sergeant Jeffrey Marinan, Town of Cornwall Police Department
Honorable Mention Award
Sergeant Ryan S. Sussman Detective Francis A. Pierri (2) Officer Brenden J. Byman Officer Liam M. Conroy
Officer Stefano G. Gagliardo (2)
Unit Citation Award
Deputy Chief Brian G. Hollifield (2) Detective Sergeant Christopher P. Sylvester Sergeant Matthew G. Frankl
Sergeant Hannah M. Lake Sergeant Alexander S. Ragni Sergeant Ryan S. Sussman (2) Detective Jeremy J. Arcaro (3) Detective Kevin P. Moore (3) Detective Francis A. Pierri (2) Officer John T. Babcock Officer Steven J. Bohr
Officer Brenden J. Byman Officer Liam M. Conroy Officer Joseph D. Finnerty Officer Stefano G. Gagliardo Officer Brian P. Levy
Officer Bryan J. Lubarsky (3) Officer Michael F. Masopust Officer Tyler J. Prokosch Officer Hannah M. Schmitt Officer Michael D. Suttlehan (4) Officer Michael Y. Takeuchi Officer Anthony H. Weed Dispatcher Nicole D. Beaudette Dispatcher Kristi Fitzpatrick
Excellent Police Duty Award Detective Kevin P. Moore Detective Francis A. Pierri Officer Kenneth K. Ferrier Officer Bryan J. Lubarsky (2) Officer Michael D. Suttlehan Officer Anthony H. Weed
Officer of the Year
Officer Bryan J. Lubarsky