Top Cops Honored by Bedford Police

A positive attitude, in-depth knowledge and faithfulness to the department were just some of the characteristics exhibited by two of Bedford's finest, who were recognized for their outstanding job performance in a brief ceremony that took place at the town board meeting this week.

Police Chief Ed Collins spoke on behalf of the two officers who were selected for the  2009 police awards. "We wish we could give awards to everyone. We keep our standards high, and these awards recognize achievement that goes above and beyond what we do on a daily basis."

Collins named Gregory Phillips as Traffic Officer of the Year, noting that hard work in this area is critical because most of the complaints received by the department are related to traffic.

"Gregory has exhibited a high level of achievement in traffic and a significant concentration in speed and DWI enforcement," said Collins. "We are very fortunate to have the department we have."

Nicholas Fusco was selected as the 2009 Officer of Year.

Fusco demonstrated throughout the year all of the attributes that the top brass seeks in a model officer, explained Collins. "His proficiency, attendance, appearance and faithfulness to the department are outstanding," he said.

Both men received a plaque and a handshake from Collins, and a round of applause from community members in attendance.

Phillips, who has been with the department since 2001, said that it was an honor but he just felt lucky to get it. "All 40 of us in the department know the goals, and we all work hard on them. Any one of us deserves to get this," he said. His wife Amie and two children were there to support him.

Fusco, who also had several family members there to note his achievement, said it was exciting to be selected as officer of the year. "I owe a lot to the training and supervision I received," he said of his twelve years of experience, both in Bedford and with the NYPD.

Town Supervisor Lee Roberts congratulated the honorees and thanked them for their service. "We are extremely proud and I think we have best force going anywhere," she said.