City of Cortland Police Chief Paul Sandy spoke during the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, June 20th to recognize two officers within the departments for their commitment to the City of Cortland.
“Every quarter, the police department has a committee that meets on awards and recognitions, which are submitted by different members of the department.” Cortland Police Chief Sandy said.
Chief Sandy recognized CPD Officer Chadd Hines via a Commendation Award and read a letter for his actions in the shooting incident that took place on Main Street back on December 16th, 2022 in the City of Cortland.
Officer Hines responded to the scene on his day off after hearing about the situation. On arrival, Hines took control of the tactical operations at the scene. A drone was used to see into the apartments located in the building police believed the suspect was hiding in. After it was confirmed the suspect wasn’t in the building, police then began their investigation to where the suspect may be.
Intelligence was eventually gathered by CPD of the suspect hiding in an apartment just a few buildings down the street. Police set up a perimeter and created a plan to search each of the apartments in the four story building.
“Your ability to remain calm in such a stressful situation, allowed you to direct your team in a methodical search in all the apartments ultimately capturing the suspect without injury being inflicted on officers or the suspect.” Sandy said as he read the letter of commendation to the Council.
Chief Sandy presented a Letter of Commendation and an award bar Officer Hines can wear on his uniform that signifies his outstanding police work.
The second recognition Chief Sandy gave was Officer of the Year Award, but due to the officers line of work within the department, their identity was not revealed.
The award is selected by Sandy and his command staff. The recognition stems from the revival of the Cortland County Drug Task Force back in April of 2022 between the City of Cortland Police Department and the Cortland County Sheriff.
The goal being to have a collaborative effort with narcotics investigations being conducted.
“Your commitment, dedication, and tenacity investigating skills, are a credit not only to yourself, but this agency and citizens of Cortland. Conduct such as yours is what makes Cortland such a great place to live and to raise a family.” Sandy said of the officer involved in the Drug Task Force.
Weapons and drugs seized by the unnamed officer in the task force were: 15 firearms, 24 grams of cocaine, 9 ½ pounds of marijuana, 12 grams of fentanyl, 11 ounces of MDVP, 18 ½ ounces of meth, 145 pills, 4 ecstasy pills, and 5 ounces of methamphetamine oils. Sandy stated all were intended for sale on the streets of Cortland.
