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 check or 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.
November 2022 – Graduation Class BAS #22-028
Justin Holmes
May 2022 – Graduation Classes BAS 21-059 and BAS 22-004
Abner King (BAS 21-059) and Loni Ives-Stone (BAS 22-004)
June 2021 – Graduation BAS Class #20-045
Sara Pope
Sara is a security officer at Ohio Health, an Army veteran and is the first woman recipient. She graduated from the evening academy.
June 2021 – Graduation BAS Class #21-012
Austin Harlow
Austin is a Marine Corps veteran and was hired by the Heath Police Department while in the academy (accelerated).
May 2020 – Graduation BAS Class #19-058
Caleb Brown
November 2019 - Graduation BAS Class #19-029
Zachary Raaker
May 2019 - Graduation BAS Class #18-065
Joshua Walker
May 2019 - Graduation BAS Class #19-008
Austin Carpenter
Nov. 2018 – Graduation BAS Class #18-030
William Duston
May 2018 – Graduation BAS Class #17-050
John Fridinger
May 2018 – Graduation BAS Class #18-050
Jeremy Justice II
December 2017 – Graduation BAS Class #17-031
Wesley Jackson
May 2017 – Graduation BAS Class #17-008
Timothy Smith
December 2016 – Graduation BAS Class #16-034 and BAS Class #16-035
Aaron Hanson and Matthew Newlun
