David Michael was honored as 2015 Police Officer of the Year by American Legion Post 96.

From left: West Hartford Police Chief Tracey Gove, Officer David Michael, American Legion Senior Vice Commander Moe Fradette. Submitted photo

Submitted by Moe Fradette, Senior Vice Commander

The American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 has recognized West Hartford Police Officer David Michael as the “2015 Police Officer of the Year.” Each year the American Legion honors one individual as the Police Officer of the Year, chosen and recognized by fellow officers, for upholding high moral, ethical and professional standards and for efforts that have gone above and beyond the call for duty. Recipients of the Police Officer of the Year award are considered the department’s “ideal officers.”

Officer Michael grew up in Granby and joined the Marines upon graduating from high school achieving the rank of Sergeant. He served in both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah.

Officer Michael joined the West Hartford Police Department in 2007. In his eight years with the Police Department he has served in the Patrol, CIT, and Traffic divisions. In his presentation remarks Police Chief Tracey Gove stated, “Much of Dave’s skill comes from the fact that he has not only the formal police training, but also the instinct to immediately discern when something seems out of place. He also has a great facility for names and faces. He has been called a “tenacious investigator” and an “excellent street cop”, the highest compliment one can be given by a peer or in his case, peers.” Officer Michael has been awarded 2 Merit Awards and 6 Unit Citations while serving with the West Hartford Police Department.

Mayor Scott Slifka also addressed the group thanking the entire West Hartford Police Department for the outstanding work they perform every day for the community. The Mayor also read the proclamation from the Town of West Hartford declaring March 22, 2015, “Officer David Michael Day” in West Hartford.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

The American Legion of West Hartford is open to military veterans who have served honorably during a wartime era and military personnel currently on active duty. Further information is available on the Post’s website at www.post96.org or the public is welcome to visit Hayes-Velhage Post 96 at 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT 06107, phone 860-233-9029.