Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award
The Officer Thomas W. Cottrell, Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service is given out at each Peace Officer Basic Training graduation ceremony during the academic year. The selection of the recipients is based on many factors including, but not limited to, academic success and overall leadership and character.
The $1,000 award assists the recipient with equipment purchases and other expenses associated with beginning a career in law enforcement.
The award is presented by the Cottrell family in memory of Officer Thomas W. Cottrell, Jr., who was senselessly killed in the line of duty while working in the Knox County town of Danville in January 2016.
It is the highest honor a COTC Peace Officer Basic Training cadet can receive.
If you would like to make a gift to the Officer Cottrell Memorial Fund please send a checkor contact the Office of Advancement to discuss other options at 740.364.9514. Checks should be made payable to the COTC Cottrell Memorial Fund and mailed to: Office of Advancement, 1179 University Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055.
Recipients
Joshua Snodgrass
May 2025, BAS25-007
Aaron Michel Snell
November 2024, BAS 24-040
Levern Edward Wilson
November 2024, BAS 24-041
Srboljub Ruzic
November 2024, BAS 23-060
Deputy Tyler McMillen
September 2024, BAS-24-036
Marquie Lynn Crisp
December 2023, BAS 23-036
Devin Fritz
May 2023, BAS 22-064
Michael Manson
May 2023, BAS 23-007
Justin Holmes
November 2022, BAS 22-028
Abner King
May 2022, BAS 21-059
Loni Ives-Stone
May 2022, BAS 22-004
Sarah Pope
June 2021, Class 20-045
Austin Harlow
June 2021, BAS21-012
Caleb Brown
May 2020, BAS 19-058
Zachary Raaker
November 2019, BAS19-029
Joshua Walker
May 2019, BAS18-065
Austin Carpenter
May 2019, BAS19-008
William Duston
November 2018, BAS18-030
John Fridinger
May 2018, BAS17-050
Jeremy Justice II
May 2018, BAS18-050
Wesley Jackson
December 2017, BAS17-031
Timothy Smith
May 2017, BAS17-008
Aaron Hanson
December 2016, BAS16-034
Matthew Newlun
December 2016, BAS16-035