SUBMITTED PHOTO
Berlin Police Department Pfc. Gary Bratten is recognized as the town’s 2018 Officer of the Year. Bratten led the department in warnings, citations and adult arrests for 2018. He was also praised for engaging with the community.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 17, 2019) Berlin Police Department Pfc. Gary Bratten was named Police Officer of the Year and several members of the department were recognized recently for their service, according to Police Chief Arnold Downing.

Speaking during a Town Council meeting Monday, Downing said Bratten led the Berlin Police Department in warnings, citations and adult arrests for 2018, but also was noticed in the community.

“We went ahead and moved him to the midnight shift and a week or two afterwards we had churches asking us, ‘What happened to the officer that was coming by here every day doing service?’” Downing said. “We’re definitely proud to bestow this award upon him.”

He said S.O. Edward Carmean was recognized for 10 years of service and S.O. Chris Bireley was honored for being with Berlin Police for 20 years.

Downing said two service awards were given, to Bireley for tracking a suspect to Delaware during an incident that led to a felony arrest, and to Lt. Jeffrey Lawson for his work during a domestic barricade situation.

Lifesaving awards were given to S.O. Joseph Kerr, who saved a man he discovered was “actively hanging himself,” and to S.O. Claude Holland for rescuing a mother and two children from a flooding vehicle, Downing said.

Sgt. Michael O’Connor and Ofc. Kevin Lloyd were also given lifesaving awards. Downing said the officers assisted “subjects who were actually cutting themselves” during separate events in November and December.

“We can’t say thanks enough to those officers who step out there every day and protect and serve this community,” Downing said.

Mayor Gee Williams asked Downing to pass on gratitude and congratulations on behalf of the Town Council.

“Please let them know how proud we are and how grateful,” Williams said.