On a chilly February evening, the Ohio State University Police Division held its 2024 Annual Award Ceremony, recognizing the dedication and skill of its officers and staff. Officer Nana Amoako grabbed the spotlight, honored as the Officer of the Year for his consistent proactive policing and positive impact on his colleagues. Cited twice as Officer of the Month the previous year, Amoako's strong work ethic and new role as a defensive tactics instructor made him stand out among his peers. Officer Adrienne Ward, who previously won the title, recommended Amoako, saying, "I believe he is a great representation of our department’s values," as mentioned in a report by OSU's Department of Public Safety.
With a service record that started in 1998, Lieutenant Kyle Howe was named Supervisor of the Year, with the Annual Award Committee acknowledging his directive in hard work and proactive crime deterrence. Detectives Seth Cooper and Doug Cunningham received accolades for their exceptional investigative work in being awarded the Distinguished Service Award. Cunningham earned praise for his organizational prowess and ties with the university's athletics department, while Cooper was recognized for his expertise in cases of missing persons and his efforts to foster community understanding.
Excellence in teamwork was evident as the OSUPD Ordinance Team, including Deputy Chief Alan Horujko, Lieutenant Brandon Yankanin, and officers Jeremy Allen, Joshua Colley, Adam Tabor, Doug Welker, and Detective Jason Becker, received the Team Award. This group, lauded for their commitment to training, played a pivotal role in the division's tactical readiness and active shooter response capabilities.
Recognition extended outside the badge holders, as Jason Ross, the property room coordinator, was honored with the Citizen Award. Tasked with additional court responsibilities last year, Ross handled them "with excellence and aptitude," according to a nomination letter quoted in the report shared by the OSU's Department of Public Safety. The ceremony was not simply a celebration of past successes but also marked progress as OSUPD expanded its ranks with seven new police officers, marching towards their full authorized strength of 75.
Chief Dennis Jeffrey encapsulated the event’s sentiment, looking to the future with optimism. "As we close, we look forward to the year ahead knowing we’re part of a team that consistently sets the standard for professionalism and service." According to the OSU's Department of Public Safety.
