Police Chief: Cpl. Christie's Performance Is Exemplary

For his years of exemplary service to the Jefferson Township police department, Cpl. Bryan Christie was named the department’s 2010 Officer of the Year at the town’s council meeting earlier this week.

Police Chief Kevin Craig described the award as being given for a candidate’s attitude toward the department and profession, overall job performance, attendance record, initiative, cooperation with supervisors and peers, acceptance of constructive criticism, appearance and respect from peers.

Cpl. Christie has exemplified what it means to be a police officer,” Craig said in bestowing Christie with this award.

Christie is a lifelong resident of the township, and a 20-year veteran of the police force, according to a press statement. He has been with the patrol division since completing the police academy.

Christie became a corporal in 2005, acting as squad supervisor in the absence of his sergeant.

He has received numerous departmental awards during his tenure, including several for total DWI arrests in a year, three honorable service awards for arrests including drugs and firearms, and the Chief’s Achievement Award in 1998.

Craig noted that Christie is a department leader in motor vehicle and DWI enforcement. In 2010, Christie issued 525 traffic citations and made more than 26 arrests.

A firearms enthusiast, Christie is a certified police pistol, shotgun and rifle instructor, as well as a certified armorer and police sniper.

“Cpl. Christie performs his regular duties and tasks exceptionally well, but even more importantly, as a 20-year veteran who remains passionate about the job, he continues to guide and motivate less experienced officers,” Craig said in a statement. “His job performance, initiative and attendance are exemplary.”

Christie appeared flustered yet honored by the award.

“This is really great,” he said. “It’s real nice to be honored for hat you love to do, and know that you’re doing it well.”

The Chief’s Award program began in 1989. The name was changed to the Chief’s Achievement Award in 1993, and was resurrected in its original form in 2009.