Rochester Police Department hands out excellence awards

From left, Heather Stevens, Detective Justin Livingstone, Detective Nicole Knox (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Chief Theodore Blair Memorial Award, the Police Department's highest award for excellence, was presented to Detective Nicole Knox earlier this month.

Named after the late Chief Blair, the recognition is given to the officer who throughout the year consistently maintains an exceptional level of public service and exemplifies the characteristics of Chief Blair. Some of the attributes that are looked for are compassion, enthusiasm, respect for others, commitment and dedication, a good disposition, patience, a sense of humor, honesty, and integrity.

Knox started as a communications specialist in October 2015. She was later hired as a full-time patrol officer in 2019. Rochester Police Chief Gary Boudreau said she is someone who exemplifies commitment and dedication, "which was on display from the moment she started in the Dispatch Center and how hard she worked to get herself in a position to become a Police Officer."

In her short time as a patrol officer, she has become well-respected by her peers. Her nomination letter described how quickly she's been able to impact those new officers from very different backgrounds.

"She has a sense of humor and is never someone who is shy to tell a joke and make others smile, especially when someone is having a bad day," said Boudreau. "She has deep compassion for victims of crimes and works to bring them justice. She is someone who I think Chief Blair would be proud to have as a member of the department."

Also recognized was the Civilian Support Person of the Year, which went to communications specialist Heather Stevens. Stevens was first hired in March 2020. She has quickly established herself as one of the anchors of the Dispatch Center. According to Boudreau, staff members often joke, inquiring if she has a hidden sleeping location in the building because she is always working. Evidence of the statement is backed up by the 647.5 hours of overtime she worked when operations needed it the most. She is committed to being a team player and has become a certified trainer in the Dispatch Center. She takes initiative to expand her knowledge, volunteering to take on tasks and responsibilities. Stevens is often the mediator for conflicts within the workplace, dedicated to improving morale and team building.

Meanwhile, Police Officer of the Year went to Detective Justin Livingstone. He is a veteran of RPD having started as a Police Officer in June 2003. Throughout his career, he has been the model of consistency. Livingstone is tied for the longest-tenured detective. He is the "go-to" detective for training new detectives, helps new supervisors understand the bureau, is willing to help anyone, and serves as a role model to younger officers. He is engaged, well-liked, respected, involved, and always the first to volunteer for community events.