Detective Brian Hill Named West Hartford Police Officer of the Year

Detective Brian Hill was honored Wednesday night by the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 as the 2012 West Hartford Police Officer of the Year.

According to the American Legion, "Police officers are recognized by their peers for upholding high moral, ethical and professional standards and for their efforts that have gone above and beyond the call for duty. Recipients of the Police Officer of the Year award are considered the department’s 'ideal officers.'"

Post Commander Chris Conlin stated, “It is appropriate for our Post to honor West Hartford’s Police Officer of the Year during the month of May, between Police Officer Memorial Day and Memorial Day, days that we honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for community and country.”

Hill also received a proclamation from the Town of West Hartford, delivered by Mayor Scott Slifka, acknowledging his achievements.

This is the second award Hill has received just this week. He received a Unit Citation at the last week, for his role in the November 23, 2011, apprehension of a suspect in a string of burglaries.

Hill was in September 2011. He has been a member of the West Hartford Police Department since 1997, as a patrol officer, senior field training officer, member of the motorcycle unit, and a member of the West Hartford Police Honor Guard. Prior to joining the West Hartford Police, Hill spent two years as a corrections officer in Massachusetts.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

The American Legion of West Hartford is open to military veterans who have served honorably during a wartime era and military personnel currently on active duty. Further information is available at www.post96.org or visit Hayes-Velhage Post 96 at 45 Raymond Road, West Hartford, CT. 06107, phone 860-233-9029.