Milwaukee VA police officer named 2022 Lead Officer of the Year
It’s National Police Week, and Milwaukee VA Medical Center wants to shine a spotlight on one of our own, Lt. Nicholas Thorn.
Thorn was honored as the 2022 VA Police Lead Officer of the Year by VA’s Office of Security and Law Enforcement.
“Because of your professionalism, dedication to duty, expertise and teamwork, you were selected by your leadership as the VA Police Lead Officer who contributed most to the mission and success of the Department of Veterans Affairs Police,” wrote Frederick Jackson, Executive Director, Office of Security and Law Enforcement. “I’m sincerely thankful for your daily contributions; your efforts do not go unnoticed and I’m proud to have you on our VA Police team.”
Thorn received the award at the Chief of Police symposium in Houston, Texas, in April.
Thorn said he was grateful for the entire VA Police department that contributed to his success, as well as his family and loved ones for their unwavering support and encouragement.
“As a police officer, it is my duty to serve and protect our Veterans and their families,” he said. “Every day, I strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and compassion in carrying out this important mission.”
In his nomination, Thorn was lauded for his response to a Veteran in crisis. “He successfully de-escalated the situation, detained with dignity and got the Veteran connected to the vital care he needed.
“That Veteran later expressed appreciation for Thorn’s professionalism and credited him as a contributing factor to what got him through that dark day.”
Obviously humbled by the attention, Thorn emphasized the collaborative efforts of VA’s police officers.
“I extend my congratulations to the other award recipients,” Thorn said. “Their hard work and dedication to our mission are an inspiration to us all.”
This week, and throughout the year, VA recognizes all VA police officers for what they do to deliver the highest quality professional law enforcement services, ensure the maintenance of law and order and provide protection for people and property on the VA campus.
Congratulations, Lt. Thorn.