The Bath Village Police Department has introduced a new annual tradition to honor the most valuable officer on its team. This year, the department bestowed the honor upon Mike Jackson for his exceptional hard work and dedication to the community.
“It’s awesome,” said Jackson, adding that he was grateful to be recognized by his colleagues who have witnessed his dedication firsthand. Jackson was born and raised in Bath and began working part-time for the Bath Village Police Department six years ago as a patrolman, issuing traffic tickets. Since then, he has climbed the ranks from patrolman to sergeant, and most recently, investigator in November 2022.
“I started from the bottom at the Police Department writing parking tickets,” said Jackson. “Now, to be a criminal investigator, it’s great to see that my accomplishments are recognized. I try to do my best here.”
The award was introduced in 2021 by Bath Village Police Chief Colin Taft to recognize officers who go above and beyond in serving their community. Taft himself was honored with a similar award in the past and wanted to create a way to continue highlighting standout officers on an annual basis.
“The Chamber of Commerce locally had a police officer of the year award, which I had won in the past,” said Taft. “They don’t do it anymore, so I wanted to make sure that I could highlight one of my outstanding officers.”
Jackson, who has only recently become an investigator, expressed his commitment to improving his ability to serve the community that raised him, and hopes to continue contributing to the Bath Village Police Department’s success in the future.
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