Police officers do a lot of things no one knows about. Part of this is due to cops being cops. They are a profession that is modest by nature. They are just doing their job. But there are times when they go beyond the call of duty. There are times when as with all professions individuals not only do their job but they do it really, really well.

We want acknowledge them and thank them.

So after hearing Chief Wells make some brief comments regarding officers who have demonstrated excellence at a recent Board of Selectman’s meeting, I asked him about them. The Chief shared the names of officers who over the last few years have received department commendations.  There are three types of commendation: Excellence in Police Service, Diligence to Duty, and Extraordinary Police Action.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be posting brief profiles of officers who have received commendations. We thank Chief Wells for sharing these and we thank all the policemen and women for their service to the town.

Following are three:

Patrol Officer Henry “Buddy” Colligan received a department commendation for “Excellence in Police Service” on July 24, 2008.  His commendation signed by Chief Wells reads in part:

“Although you are a relatively new member of the Milton Police Department, since your appointment you have been a significant producer and your overall performance as a police officer has been excellent.”

Patrol Officers Patti Madeville and Jason Conklin received a department commendations for “Excellence in Police Service” on November 21, 2007.  Their commendation, signed by Chief Wells, reads in part:

“The Police profession is richly steeped in tradition and history. At the very core of this great profession lies “service to the public.” Citizens expect their officers to protect them against criminal activity.

They also expect the police to provide excellent police service. In Milton, the service our community receives is a direct result of your hard work and devotion.

Over the past months, I have observed two officers who have performed excellence in service.”

Those officers of course being Mandeville and Conklin.

The time that has passed does not diminish the accomplishments these officers achieved and the acknowledgment they earned. There are other officers that have received commendations. We will bring them to your attention in future posts in order to give all the proper attention they deserve.