Law Day remembers the past, honors the present - 13WHAM-TV
Rochester, N.Y. — After a year off because of COVID, Rochester Rotary and the Rochester Police Department celebrated Law Day Tuesday.
The event honored the memory of Deputy Chief Henry Jensen - which is why there were two honorees this year. Jensen wanted to recognize the unsung heroes of the department.
"I think the most significant is we're recognizing an officer from police department- but also Chief Jensen was a Rotarian, so I think that's a great partnership and we look forward to continuing it each year," said Rotary President Scott Rasmussen.
Recipients are nominated and selected by their peers, like Det. Johnny Fiorica, working quietly within the department and community.
"Not only does Johnny do an excellent job as an investigator with the RPD/ATF violent crimes team, but he has tirelessly donated an enormous of time back to this community -setting up the annual 'Crime Dog' tournament - which, by the way, is arguably the best golf tournament in the area," Special Agent Pat Hoffman said.
Lt. Richard Waldo Jr. was also honored with the Henry Jensen Award. You may not know it, but he was the one who started the annual holiday tradition of first responders flashing emergency lights outside the Golisano Children's Hospital for young patients to enjoy.
He also also responsible for making sure the decorative horse "Freedom" was restored after it was vandalized during summer rioting.
Waldo recognizes some anti-police sentiment, but feels it is not a majority opinion.
"It's a struggle today with the atmosphere out there, but I tell people I'm blessed at what I do now. It's because of the men and women who go out there everyday and do the police work that allows me to go out there and build these bridges with the community and make it a better place," he said.
"And just to see the Rotary and department come out today and celebrate us, it's great."
This is the 20th award presented by Rochester Rotary, honoring officers who make the community a better place.
source: https://13wham.com/newsletter-daily/law-day-remembers-the-past-honors-the-present
Your content is great. However, if any of the content contained herein violates any rights of yours, including those of copyright, please contact us immediately by e-mail at media[@]kissrpr.com.