The 17th Annual Owego Police Department Awards Ceremony was held on Memorial Day, May 25, on the front steps of the Owego Police Station on Temple Street. The annual event recognizes the endeavors, efforts, and activities of Owego Police personnel in the community throughout the past year.

The following awards were presented:

Officer of the Year - Police Officer Jeffery M. Wasyln

Citizens Award to Thomas F. MacCormack, Community Volunteer, for his diligent work in making the "Are You OK?" Telephone Reassurance Program a reality for Senior Citizens in Tioga County.

Agency Awards to Village of Endicott Police Department Bomb Squad for the cooperation rendered to the Owego Police Department on June 16, 1997, on Temple Street in removing a pipe bomb type explosive device which was found in a residence; and to Tioga Opportunities Department of Aging Services-Peg Hopper, Director for bringing the "Are You OK?" Telephone Reassurance Program for the elderly to Tioga County.

Years of Service Award to Police Officer William G. White, 5 years of service.

Life Saving Awards to Police Officer Shane W. Rollison for dealing with a suicidal woman who stabbed herself with a knife; and to Police Officer Anthony J. Hogan for dealing with a suicidal woman who stabbed herself with scissors.

Meritorious Service Award to Police Officer William G. White for apprehending an illegal alien from Ecuador; and to Police Officer William G. White for successfully handling a bomb incident on Temple Street.

Exceptional Service Award to Police Officer Anthony J. Hogan for recovering two stolen vehicles on November 23, 1997, and march 19, 1998; and to Police Officer Daryl B. Dibble for handling a fatal tractor trailer traffic accident.

Honorable Service Award to Dispatcher Patricia R. Porter for assisting while off duty at the scene of multiple Motor Vehicle Accidents due to weather and road conditions on New York State Route 17 Eastbound in the village; to Patricia R. Porter for working with merchants and residents on alarm registrations; to Police Officers Frederick J. DeVita and Shane W. Rollison for their work with the Citizens Police Academy and Advanced Citizens Police Academy; to Police Officer Frederick J. DeVita for his cooperative participation with community support groups such as the Domestic Violence Team and Child Sex Abuse Team; and to Police Officer Robert D. Cahill for his community relations with the merchants.

Samaritan Award to Police Officer Frederick J. DeVita for his August 13, 1997, humane handling of a bat.

At the end of the ceremony, members of the police department visited Evergreen Cemetery for the grave side services in recognition of the two Owego Police Department Police Officers who gave their lives in the line of duty: Police Officer Issac Wiltse, who died on July 17, 1869, and Police Officer P. Allen Hall, who died on October 13, 1969.