RACHEL RAVINA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Berlin Police Officer Joseph Kerr has been named an “everyday hero” after winning the Encore Moments campaign sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Dec. 19, 2019) Berlin Police Officer Joseph Kerr represented the state of Maryland as an “everyday hero” and received an award for his contributions last week.

“It was a proud moment,” he said.

Kerr said his wife, Christy, nominated him in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Encore Moments campaign, which aims to recognize people who’ve made a difference in the lives of others in their community. The company also launched the campaign prior to the debut of a new ship, the “Norwegian Encore.”

For Kerr, he said his wife chose to name him because of the exemplary role he plays as a father and stepfather.

“I’ve tried, no matter how hard my schedule is, to always be there for everything,” Kerr said.

Kerr also said as a police officer, he goes into the area schools and teaches children about police officers, stranger-danger and overall safety. He also works with Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, and takes children on trips to water parks during the summer.

Additionally, Kerr delivers meals to seniors through Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Spirit Campaign.

After Christy nominated him on Facebook, Kerr said nominees’ profiles were uploaded to the cruise company’s website. People were then able to vote for 30 days, and the contest ran from Sept. 18 to Oct. 18, according to the company’s website.

The contest chose one winner from each state and province, according to the company’s website. Kerr added that the top three candidates per state were then vetted before the top hero in each state was selected.

Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said it’s important to recognize people who have a large impact on the community.

“We believe it is very important to make the time to celebrate and thank the people whose acts of kindness and compassion make a difference in the lives of their friends, families and communities,” Stuart said in a state- ment.

Kerr traveled to New York City on to attend the award ceremony on Fri- day, Dec. 13 as the representative of the state of Maryland. He won a three to five-night cruise on “almost any Norwegian Cruise Line ship.”

Kerr said that he was “honored” and “humbled” to receive the commendation after being notified last month.

“It was kind of amazing, because in law enforcement you, don’t get a lot of ‘good jobs,’ so it was really nice to have all these people come up to me and tell me what a great job that we’re doing; what a great job I’m doing,” he said.

For more information about the campaign, visit encoremoments.ncl.com.