BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Police Department bestowed accolades on current and former officers at its second annual awards ceremony.

On Wednesday evening, Chief John Bumba and Assistant Chief Darby Copeland handed out several awards and honored Brenton Boston as a new sergeant.

“We are gathered here tonight to share our commission for our officers,” Copeland said. “Our officers who go above and beyond their duties. Our officers demonstrate bravery each and every day — our officers who are courageous and face challenges, our officers who show strength, diligence and discipline, our officers are loyal and … define courage, compassion and dedication.”

Boston has served as an officer for three years and received an award for his time at the department. Mayor Norma Teasdale swore in Boston to his new rank after Bumba and Copeland chose him as the new sergeant. Before announcing who the new sergeant would be, Copeland shared details of the selection process and what led to Boston earning this promotion.

Copeland said he and Bumba had a difficult decision to make because they had more than one suitable candidate for the position. For the first time ever, they held a promotional examination for the sergeant position by separating the process into three parts — a written exam based upon the department’s policy, a situational oral review conducted by two law enforcement subject matter experts from outside of Belmont County and an interview with the chief and assistant chief.

“This process was defined not only to assess skills and knowledge but also leadership qualities and dedication to the community values here in Bridgeport,” Copeland said. “We couldn’t be more confident in the individual who’s earned this promotion, and we’re honored to have him as a new addition to our leadership team.”

The scores were tight between the candidates with a difference of 2.4 points between first and second place finishers, they said.

Boston said he feels extremely blessed and excited to start his journey serving the community of Bridgeport. In his three years of service, he’s worked all different shifts and become the department’s evidence technician. He said he’s been in somewhat of a leadership role as an officer in charge with more experience than some of his fellow officers and worked a long time to get to this position.

“I’m excited to just have more police and community, basically relationships at this point,” Boston said.

Bumba and Copeland also gave awards to officers for years of service. Nicholas Battistone, Alexander Elerick and Robert Ryan received a two-year service award. Boston received a three-year service award. Anthony Barezinsky received an eight-year service award. William Timko received a 17-year service award, and William Yost received a 27-year service award. Copeland received a 29-year service award, while Bumba received a 33-year service award.

Copeland presented the extra mile award to Timko for consistently demonstrating dedication that sets high standards, not only fulfilling requirements of his role but exceeding them with determination, courage and unwavering commitment to his community. The extra mile award is to celebrate those who selflessly put themselves in an extraordinary effort at all times.

Copeland presented the outstanding accommodation award to Boston and Elerick for a situation where they exemplified professionalism, quick thinking and unwavering composure under pressure. He said they displayed not only the skilled bravery of two officers, but the ability to see some transition from one crisis to another, ensuring the safety of all involved while maintaining the highest level of professionalism during an event.

The incident happened at 9:45 p.m. April 27, when Bridgeport police officers assisted the Bellaire Police Department in the wake of a shooting at an apartment complex. As the officers arrived on scene behind the Shadyside Police Department, they found a Shadyside police officer outside of his cruiser with a shooter held at gunpoint. Without hesitation, Boston immediately exited his cruiser, took the suspect into custody, searched him and secured him in the back of his own car.

Copeland said that was just the beginning of their role in the case because, seconds later, Elerick arrived and both officers quickly entered the apartment where the shooting victim was located. They quickly assessed the situation, cleared the apartment of any further dangers, and then immediately transitioned into life-saving efforts including CPR, hemorrhage control and use of an automated external defibrillator to provide the best chance of survival for the victim.

“Their training, their composure, their commitment to preserving life in the most dire circumstances was evident at every moment,” Copeland said. “Once emergency medical services arrived on the scene, officers seamlessly transitioned their efforts to crowd control, securing the scene.”

Former police chief William Frasher shared some of his own words at the ceremony. He discussed his experiences working in law enforcement and what it’s like to be an officer today. He emphasized how hard it is to work in law enforcement now and how each officer should be proud of their work.

“You should be very, very proud of being a Bridgeport police officer in this day and age. And I’m serious,” Frasher said. “Crime is never going to go away. It’s always going to be here. It’s called evil, and evil is always going to be present. It’s your job to hold the line, to hold the line and be proud of it. Stand tall. Be proud.”

Copeland said the Bridgeport Police Department stands out because it is the only police department in Jefferson, Belmont or Monroe counties that is fully certified by the Ohio Collaborative Community Police Advisory Board. It is a voluntary certification program through the state of Ohio. He said the certification really brings validation to the work the department is doing.

Copeland said it is an honor to recognize officers of the Bridgeport Police Department during its awards ceremony.

“It feels wonderful. We have such a good cadre of officers,” he said. “The tough part is selecting the award winners. We have a group of officers who will go above and beyond each and every day to make sure the community is safe. It’s a pleasure to be able to do this this evening.”