Police Officer of the Year Award / Medal of Valor
2024 Recipient: Cortland County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Captain Anthony Phelps
Phelps was an Investigator/Sergeant when he responded to assist fellow officers who were attempting to de-escalate a situation involving an individual armed with a shotgun. Upon his arrival in the apartment, Phelps heard gunfire and saw officers seeking cover. As the individual continued to fire the shotgun, Phelps returned fire and struck the assailant. He then took control of the scene and provided life-saving aid to the assailant, who was struck in the leg.
2023 Recipient: State Police Troop G Technical Sgt. Richard Albert
Albert was patrolling I-88 when he saw a SUV traveling east more than 100 MPH. He stopped the vehicle and as he approached it, the driver rolled down the window and the passenger fired a 9mm handgun, striking Albert in the shoulder. Albert retreated for cover but continued to return fire as the driver and shooter attempted to flee in the SUV. A tractor trailer driver moved his vehicle in the path of the SUV and disabled it. The driver and shooter fled on foot and attempted to steal a disabled pickup truck while still being pursued by Albert. The passenger fled into the woods as back-up arrived, taking the driver into custody and transporting Albert to the hospital. The shooter was located dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.
A Selection Committee with the following members reviews nominations and selects the award recipient(s):
- Commissioner, Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Superintendent, New York State Police
- Executive Director, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police
- Counsel and Executive Director, New York State Sheriffs’ Association
- President, Police Conference of New York
- President, New York State Association of PBAs
- President, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association of the City of New York
Please call 518-485-7635 for more information or to learn when nominations will be accepted for the next award.