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NY Police Officer of the Year HonoredPOSTED November 22, 2011 ALBANY -- Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy presented Rome Police Officer Donald Moore last week with New York State's Police Officer of the Year Award. Officer Moore was recognized for saving the lives of seven people at a cell phone store in New York Mills in May 2010. "There is nothing more noble, and nothing more sacred than the opportunity to serve and protect as an officer of the law," said Lieutenant Governor Duffy. "The men and women of law enforcement represent the best of our humanity. They are the pillars of our community and we must ensure that a show of our appreciation is not limited to occasions such as this, but that every day we honor their service and applaud their courage." "Officer Moore showed us what every police officer already knows -- they report for duty not knowing what the day may bring, and they know their job doesn't end when their shift is over," said Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Elizabeth Glazer. "On May 27th, without hesitation and regard for his own safety, he took action while off-duty. Because of him, the lives of at least seven New Yorkers were saved that day. I commend him for his bravery and service." The Lieutenant Governor presented the award to Officer Moore during a ceremony at Rome City Hall, in front of the officer's family and friends, as well as a host of local and state elected leaders and law enforcement officials. Officer Moore was off-duty and at an AT&T Wireless store the afternoon of May 27, 2010, when a man opened fire inside, shooting one employee and aiming for the others. Officer Moore quickly responded by drawing his off-duty weapon and firing at the shooter, killing him. A subsequent investigation into the incident revealed that the shooter had a prior history of threatening behavior toward the AT &T employees and carried a "hit list" with their names, and extra rounds of ammunition, the day of the shooting. Rome Police Chief Kevin C. Beach said: As Police Officers we are always on duty. We are sworn to protect the life, liberty and property of those in our communities. We are taught to run toward danger when others are running away. Officer Moore placed himself in harm's way, risking his own life for people he did not know. He did this without hesitation, which undoubtedly saved the lives of many innocent people that day. Officer Moore is a fine example of the great quality of men and women of the Rome Police Department." Seth Turk, the store employee who was shot during the incident, said: "I am honored to take part in today's prestigious award ceremony, recognizing Officer Moore. Officer Moore's actions represent all law enforcement officers and their daily sacrifices, and for that, we should all thank them." The Police Officer of the Year Award was created in 1983 to recognize a single police officer, or team of officers, for an exceptional act of valor, symbolizing the service of police in New York State. In addition to Donald Moore, 12 officers from 10 law enforcement agencies also will be recognized for contributions to their communities in 2010 and will receive Certificates of Exceptional Valor from the Governor.
Each year, the Police Officer of the Year Selection Committee reviews nominations submitted by New York State law enforcement agencies. Nominees must be sworn police officers employed within the State of New York who have performed an act of exceptional valor during the year. The Police Officer of the Year selection committee is composed of the following members: the Commissioner of Division of Criminal Justice Services; the Superintendent of the New York State Police; Counsel and Executive Director of the State Sheriffs' Association; Executive Director of the State Association of Chiefs of Police; President of the Police Conference of New York; President of the New York State Association of Police Benevolent Association; and President of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association of the City of New York. |
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