The Cicero Police Department recognized the department’s 2019 award recipients at a small picnic Aug. 15 following social distancing guidelines.
Chief Steve Rotunno is pleased to announce the following awards:
Officer of the Year
Officer Sean Wallace was selected by department supervisors for his endless drive while on routine patrol, community policing efforts and conducting detailed investigations, just to name a few things he did exceptionally during 2019.
His enthusiasm towards teamwork, along with keen appreciation of his responsibilities, made him stand out amongst his peers. Wallace’s contributions to the department, superior work, and support of the Cicero Police Department’s mission led to his selection as Officer of the Year for 2019.
Chief’s Award
Investigator Wayne Freeman received the Chief’s Award for his outstanding day-to-day commitment to the police department’s efficient operation, along with his assistance to other town departments. Freeman assisted in numerous investigations throughout 2019 and also served as the department’s information and technology officer. Freeman is the go-to guy at the police department and his never-say-no attitude is a remarkable trait.
Community Policing Award
Officer Eric Flansburg stood out amongst his peers with his community policing efforts. Flansburg went above and beyond helping seniors shovel their driveways in the winter, playing basketball while on patrol with our local youth, volunteering at numerous community events such as Coffee with a Cop. Flansburg’s genuine and helpful personality complements his community policing efforts.
Chief’s Citation
Officer James Gray was recognized with the Chief’s Citation and also nominated for the Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Commendation Award.
Gray was recognized for his exceptional police work during a larceny complaint. Gray made a traffic stop on three larceny suspects who had just stolen ammunition. Gray’s keen observation skills led to the recovery of a stolen handgun out of the city of Syracuse and subsequently removal of the handgun from the streets.
Life Saving Award
Sgt. John Baldini and Officer Michael Serafin received the Cicero PD’s Life Saving Award for their quick action after arriving first on the scene of a medical call for service. Both Officers performed immediate lifesaving measures prior to the arrival of emergency medical services and the fire department.
Baldini was also recognized for a second lifesaving response to a medical call in 2019 in which he arrived first on scene and again performed lifesaving measures prior to EMS and fire department personnel arrival.
Officer Daniel Leneker was recognized with the Cicero PD’s Life Saving Award and also nominated for the Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Commendation Award.
Officer Leneker was the first to arrive on scene of an emotionally disturbed person and after kicking in the door to the residence was able to remove the victim from the home, ultimately saving her life. The quick response and actions of Leneker undoubtedly saved this person’s life.
Traffic Enforcement Award
In 2019, Officer Ashley Smith led the police department in overall traffic enforcement and citations issued for traffic citations issued on regular patrol and during Police Traffic Enforcement (PTS) initiatives. Smith’s traffic safety efforts clearly made Cicero a safer community.
Commendation Certificates
Lt. James Meyers, Sgt. John Baldini, Sgt. James Snell, Investigator Wayne Freeman, Officer Mike Aregano and Officer Ken Isyk received Police Department Commendation Certificates for their outstanding performance in an involved falsely reporting and insurance fraud investigation. The teamwork between the road patrol and criminal investigation sections led to the successful completion of the case and multiple charges being filed against the suspect.