MOUNT VERNON — Central Ohio Technical College presented a Knox County Sheriff Deputy graduate with its highest honor, the Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service.
Joshua Snodgrass of St. Louisville received the Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr. Award for Character and Dedication to Public Service. Snodgrass was the Knox County Sheriff’s Office’s most recent COTC Law-Enforcement Academy graduate class BAS25-007.
The award includes $1,000 that the recipient can use to buy equipment and offset other expenses incurred as the officer begins his law enforcement career. The award is given 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 Cottrell family presents the award in memory of Officer Thomas W. Cottrell Jr., who was senselessly killed in the line of duty while working in Danville in January 2016.
Officer Cottrell was a firm believer in family, friends, community, and service to others. This award was created to honor his commitment to service and to offer support to graduates of COTC’s Basic Police Academy who are just starting their law enforcement careers.
The selection of the recipient is based on character, academic success, and a cadet’s dedication, support, and respect for their fellow cadets and classmates as witnessed by faculty members.
“It is an honor for the sheriff and I to see one of our academy graduates receive this award,” KCSO Chief Deputy Richard Miller said.