NEWPORT — On Tuesday, Newport Police Chief Seth C. DiSanto announced that Officer Joshua Lillis has been named as the Newport Police Department’s Officer of the Year.
Each year, the Newport Police Department recognizes the officer who most exemplifies the department’s core values of courtesy, professionalism, and respect.
The officer of the year award is presented to the Newport Police officer who best displays an ability to treat each case and call with the same vigor while treating the citizens they serve with respect at all times.
“Officer Lillis is a prime example of what it means to be a Newport Police officer,” Chief DiSanto said. “While he excelled in all statistically measurable areas, Officer Lillis also stood out for his exceptional work as a Field Training Officer and role model for the entire department.”
Officer Lillis heads the department’s field training program, overseeing the work of all new officers and playing an instrumental role in their development as law enforcement professionals.
He joined the department full time in 2012, but first got involved as a young man through its Police Explorers Program.
This marks the second time that Officer Lillis has been recognized as Newport’s officer of the year. He first earned the accolade in 2014.
“His integrity has never come into question and his compassion for others has never diminished,” Sgt. Charles Moulton said. “I have had the honor of watching him grow into the man he is today, and I am immensely proud to see him earn this honor once again.”
