Brockport police chief
honors his officers for their service

In what has become an annual event, Brockport's Police Chief Dan Varrenti hosted a recognition ceremony for the officers who serve the village.

"The job of a police officer is a thankless job," Chief Varrenti said. "We don't get thanked for making a DWI arrest ... a lot of the times we are the bearers of bad news and as a result of that I think it's important to recognize the officers for the efforts they put forth and for the work that they do."

Distinguished Service Awards went to: Officers Stephen Mesiti and Officer Joseph Morabito. They were nominated for the award by Officer Brian Winant for the work they did while on a routine patrol in March 2003. Mesiti and Morabito's diligence and quick thinking potentially saved the lives of residents and customers at a Laundromat in the village.

Officer Stephen Mesiti was nominated for the May Officer of the Month Award by Sergeant Mark Cuzzupoli. During the month of May 2003 Officer Stephen Mesiti had a very productive month - he made two driving while intoxicated arrests, one of which was a hit and run. He also made a felony criminal mischief arrest, three village code arrests, and arrests for unlawful possession of alcohol by people under 21. He also made a felony DWI arrest of a person who already had a suspended license, issued nine tickets while working a New York State Buckle Up detail, arrested two suspects for criminal trespass and criminal mischief - both crimes were in-progress arrests. Mesiti also handled 125 calls for service and made a total of 50 arrests including six DWIs.

Mesiti also received the Community Service Award for his continued work with the Brockport Police Department Explorers.

Sergeant Adam Mesiti nominated Officer Paul Wheat for the Excellent Police Service Award because of his work during an attempted robbery and assault case. Wheat responded to the scene and took the report. Armed with limited information he conducted numerous interviews, took statements, and showed photo arrays until such time that he identified the suspects involved in this crime. On September 20, 2003 Officer Wheat made an arrest and closed the investigation.

The August 2003 Officer of the Month recognition went to Officer Joseph Morabito. He was nominated by Sergeant Adam Mesiti. During the month of August 2003, Morabito made one felony, 13 misdemeanor, and 26 violation arrests. He wrote 19 vehicle and traffic tickets, made four driving while intoxicated arrests and handled 114 calls for service.

For the month of September, Officer Wheat was nominated by Sergeant Mark Philippy as Officer of the Month. Officer Joseph Morabito was nominated by Sergeant Adam Mesiti for the September recognition also.

During the month of September 2003, Wheat made one felony arrest, four misdemeanor arrests, 66 penal law violation arrests, 28 village code arrests, wrote 21 tickets and answered 205 calls for service. During the same month Morabito made two felony, 18 misdemeanor, 25 violation, 10 vehicle and traffic, three DWI arrests and answered 81 calls for service. While doing all this he also managed to solve the criminal mischief done to the 911 monument.

Wheat also received the November Officer of the Month Award.

Sergeant Douglas Ziegler nominated Officer Chris Curley for the Excellent Police Service Award in connection with the March 2003 Laundry Time fire and arson arrest.

Sergeant Mark Cuzzupoli was nominated by Sergeant Adam Mesiti and Officer Joseph Morabito for the Community Service Award. "During the 2003 year Sergeant Cuzzupoli has, with the assistance of Glenn Emerson, completed the SPARTAC Manual," their nomination read. "He also coordinated Brockport's First National Night Out. During the day of the event it rained throughout the day and into the evening but the event went on as planned that included cooking 200 hot dogs, providing child identification kits, hosting an ice cream social and then ending the evening with a march to the police department and a tour of the offices.

Community Service plaques were presented to: Glenn Emerson - SPARTAC (Manual), NET, National Night Out, countless hours caring about this community; Fran Welch - SPARTAC, National Night Out; Robert (Bob) Ryan - Ryan's Big M for donations of food, supplies, money to BPD and the community, never wanting or expecting anything in return.

The pins and plaques that were presented, Varrenti said, are a permanent memorial to the officers that their actions are noticed and appreciated.

"At a time like this when the people of the BPD are routinely blamed for problems they have not caused (budgetary concerns), I would have to be a terrible chief to not show these officers that there is a bright side to what they do," Varrenti said. "What we did here tonight is a small token of recognition for the service they provide."