BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Bath Village Police Department started a new tradition in 2021 to honor one of its most valuable officers every year. This February, the department honored Mike Jackson as this year's winner for his hard work in the community.  

“It's awesome,” Jackson said, adding, “My colleagues vote on this so it's nice having that come from co-workers who see the work I'm putting in.”  

Born and raised in Bath, the 28-year-old Jackson started working part-time for the Bath Village Police Department about six years ago, writing traffic tickets as a patrolman. Since then, he's worked his way up the ranks from patrolman to Sergeant, eventually becoming an investigator in November 2022.  

“I started from the bottom at the Police Department writing parking tickets,” Jackson said, adding, “Now, to be a criminal investigator it's great to see that my accomplishments are recognized. I try to do my best here.”  

Bath Village Police Chief Colin Taft said the award was in 2021 to highlight officers who put 150 percent into serving their community. He remembers being honored with a similar award in the past, and wanted to create a way to continue highlighting a standout officer on an annual basis from the department.  

“The chamber of commerce locally (had) a police officer of the year award, which I had won in the past,” Taft said, adding, “They don’t do it anymore, so I wanted to make sure that I could highlight one of my outstanding officers.”  

Only recently becoming an investigator, Jackson said he will continue to work hard to keep improving his ability to serve the community that raised him.