Officer of the Year
Local lawmakers present award on behalf of state Legislature
Sgt. Steve Gillen receives award.
One of Upper Gwynedd’s finest can now call himself the finest — at least for 2017.
Police Sgt. Steve Gillen was recognized by area lawmakers Tuesday night as the township’s Officer of the Year, and State Reps. Kate Harper and Todd Stephens presented a proclamation from the Pennsylvania Legislature.
“It’s always fun to give these guys a citation, as opposed to getting one. It’s an honor for the House to accord to people who achieve significant milestones, and is this worthy? It’s worthy,” Harper said.
The award was chosen by Gillen’s fellow officers, according to Police Chief David Duffy, who said officers make nominations each November and Gillen topped them all this past year.
“Sgt. Gillen was chosen for that, for his community service, for his dedication to the department, and for his overall professionalism,” Duffy said.
“I don’t have a vote in that, but I wholeheartedly agree with their recommendation. He’s an asset to the department, and I look forward to him staying for 10 or 15 more years,” Duffy joked, which drew a joking head shake from Gillen in response.
Harper spoke on behalf of Upper Gwynedd, where Gillen works, and Stephens spoke on behalf of the municipality where Gillen lives.
“We’ve actually been turned down when we ask for some citations. There is a criteria they follow, and they don’t give out as much as maybe some departments might, but it’s an honor to recognize a great officer,” Stephens said.