Campbell County recognized the department’s Officer of the Year, Major Jeremy Newberry.
The department nominates an officer for the Officer of the Year award each year. Several candidates are selected, and those names go to the Campbell County Police Force Merit Board and chief of police to vote on who wins. Newberry is the first command-level officer to be nominated for the award.
“At the base of our business, we’re police officers first, and the people who go out there and take the calls and knock on the doors, no matter what rank they are, that’s our job first and foremost,” Campbell County Police Chief Craig Sorrell said. Everything else we do is in support of that mission, and Major Newberry does an excellent job supporting that mission.”
Throughout his tenure, Newberry commanded all agency bureaus. He currently serves as second in command. Sorrell said the award recognized Newberry for his patience, dedication, integrity, prudent decision-making, and effective communication skills.
“Newberry’s professionalism and approachability are evident as it provides valuable insights on patrol and investigative matters, demonstrating unwavering commitment regardless of the hour,” Sorrell read from the citation.
Newberry also serves as a sniper in the Northern Kentucky Regional Special Weapons and Tactics SWAT team and on the Campbell County Police Department Honor Guard.
“He’s never seeking glory, seeking the limelight,” Sorrell said. “In fact, he blushed when this was first mentioned to come here.”
Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery said the county is proud of the police department.
“You are first among equals, and that is a position that I know you’re proud of in the most modest way possible,” Pendery said. We’re proud of our department, and therefore, we’re proud of you. We want to thank you for your service and compliment you for the work that you’ve done. It’s exceptional.”
Campbell County Commissioner Geoff Besecker said he has known Newberry since high school and that he has always had a “servant’s heart and a humble nature.”
“He was always looked up to by those around him even though he wasn’t the ‘rah-rah’ cheerleader guy,” Besecker said. “His action certainly inspires others to want to work as hard as he does or to engage themselves in the extra that it took to get the job done. He’s continued to carry that on, obviously, for the citizens here in our community.”
