The Mount Vernon Police Department recognized Patrolman Jason Payne as its 2024 Officer of the Year during its second annual awards banquet. The event took place on February 1 at the historic Woodward Opera House.
According to a Mount Vernon news release, the awards banquet celebrated the dedication and achievements of officers throughout 2024, acknowledging those who exceeded expectations in their service to the community. Payne's selection as Officer of the Year was determined by a vote among his peers. The award honors an officer who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, initiative, and continuous self-improvement. Patrolman James Coffey presented Payne, a 19-year veteran of the department, with the award. Coffey described Payne as "an officer who shows up to work, does his job, stays out of the drama, and is good to work with."
Police Chief Robert K. Morgan presented several officers with the Bartlett Award, which recognizes officers for outstanding instincts, investigative skills, and dedication to duty—often at great personal risk. The recipients included the MVPD Detective Division for their swift resolution of a double homicide case. Within 24 hours of reporting the crime, detectives apprehended the suspect who later pleaded guilty and received two consecutive life sentences without parole. Receiving this honor were Lt. Detective Beth Marti, Sgt. Detective Justin Willis, Patrolman Detective Matthew Haver, and Patrolman Detective Timothy Arnold.
Patrolmen Andreas Cotter and John Cox also received the Bartlett Award for their exceptional work ethic and proactive policing efforts last year. They made 64 operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) arrests and their patrols led to significant drug seizures including 300 grams of methamphetamine and 135 grams of cocaine. Their efforts resulted in hundreds of arrests and felony indictments.
Another Bartlett Award was presented to Patrolman Josh Perry for his swift response and investigative skills that led to the immediate apprehension of a dangerous rape suspect. His quick thinking enabled him to gather crucial information leading to the suspect's arrest; this individual was later linked to unsolved cases in multiple states.
The Mount Vernon Association of Police Chaplains awarded Chief Morgan for his unwavering support of the chaplain program and its mission. The award's inscription praised his leadership, steadfast support, and dedication to officers' well-being and that of the community.
