Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award

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Portrait of Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr.

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

Joshua Snodgrass stands on stage holding his award certificate with Commander James Rease; COTC President John Berry, PhD;  and Commander Jeff Sowards.

Aaron Michel Snell

November 2024, BAS 24-040

Aaron Michel Snell stands on stage holding his award certificate with Commander James Rease; COTC President John Berry, PhD; Rep. Troy Balderson; and Commander Adam Featherling.

Levern Edward Wilson

November 2024, BAS 24-041

Levern Edward Wilson stands on stage holding his award certificate with Commander James Rease; COTC President John Berry, PhD; Rep. Troy Balderson; and Commander Adam Featherling.

Srboljub Ruzic

November 2024, BAS 23-060

Srboljub Ruzic stands on stage holding his award certificate with Commander James Rease; COTC President John Berry, PhD; Rep. Troy Balderson; and Commander Adam Featherling.

Deputy Tyler McMillen

September 2024, BAS-24-036

Deputy Tyler McMillen holding his award plaque stands with COTC President John M. Berry,  Peace Officer Basic Training Commander James Rease and Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp

Marquie Lynn Crisp

December 2023, BAS 23-036

Portrait of John Berry, Marquie Crisp, James Rease and Mark Prince.

Devin Fritz

May 2023, BAS 22-064

Devin Fritz holds his award certificate standing next to Officer Cottrell's mom and daughters.

Michael Manson

May 2023, BAS 23-007

 holds his award certificate standing next to Officer Cottrell's mom and daughters.

Justin Holmes

November 2022, BAS 22-028

Justin Holmes holds his award certificate standing next to COTC President John Berry and faculty Jeff Sowards and Mark Prince.

Abner King

May 2022, BAS 21-059 

Abner King and Loni Ives-Stone hold their award certificates standing next to Melissa Osborn.

Loni Ives-Stone

May 2022, BAS 22-004

Abner King and Loni Ives-Stone hold their award certificates standing next to Melissa Osborn.

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

Zachary Raaker receives award

Joshua Walker

May 2019, BAS18-065 

Joshua Walker receives award

Austin Carpenter

May 2019, BAS19-008

Austin Carpenter receives award

William Duston

November 2018, BAS18-030​

William Duston receives award

John Fridinger

May 2018, BAS17-050

Jeremy Justice II

May 2018, BAS18-050

Jeremy Justice II receives award

Wesley Jackson​

December 2017, BAS17-031

Wesley Jackson​ receives award

Timothy Smith

May 2017, BAS17-008

Timothy Smith receives award

Aaron Hanson

December 2016, BAS16-034

Aaron Hanson and Matthew Newlun receive awards

Matthew Newlun

December 2016, BAS16-035

Aaron Hanson and Matthew Newlun receive awards