Two Hillsborough Township police officers have been chosen for the 2024 Top Cop Award – Officers Justin Tesorio and Vail Nazaryk.
The Hillsborough Township Police Department continues its program aimed at recognizing the performance of its top-rated officers. Two officers (one from each of the department’s two patrol squads) are selected to receive the Top Cop recognition for the previous year. The award recipients are determined based on a score obtained from their Annual Job Performance Evaluations, along with a ranking achieved by their respective supervisors and peers, according to a press release through the township.
As a result of their hard work, an acknowledgment of the award is placed in the officers’ permanent Personnel File and a special award bar is presented to each officer to be worn above his uniform badge. In addition, the officers’ names will be engraved on a plaque displayed in the lobby of police headquarters, which memorializes each year’s winners since the program’s inception in 1996.
Tesorio has been a member of the department since 2020, where he has served in the patrol division. He has received several Command Citations, letters of appreciation, and Supervisory Commendations. He also serves as a Field Training Officer and Drone Operator for the department. This is Tesorio’s first time
receiving this award.
Nazaryk has been a member of the Department since 2023 where he has served in the patrol division. Nazaryk is the recipient of several Command Citations as well as Supervisory Commendations. He is also the recipient of several letters of appreciation from the community for a job well done during the performance of his duties. This is Nazaryk’s first time receiving Top Cop.
“Hillsborough is proud of Officer Tesorio and Officer Nazaryk for their well-deserved Top Cop recognition,” said Mayor John Ciccarelli.
The chief, Michael McMahon, congratulated the officers for “being the best of the best.”
Deputy Mayor Catherine Payne, who serves as liaison to the police department, followed congratulating the officers for their “exemplary service.”
Hillsborough Policemen Benevolent Association 205 congratulated the officers in a post on its social media page.
“These two officers have led by example and proven to be true assets to the department and the township,” the past stated. “The Top Cop award is based upon their evaluations, and rankings by supervisors and peers.”
