Ptl. Michael Hynes Named 2022 Officer of the Year






Last night members of the Riverside Township Police Department gathered for our annual awards ceremony.  Ptl. Michel Hynes was selected as OFFICER OF THE YEAR for 2022.  He was recognized for his patrol accomplishments and his dedication to community service. This is the second year in a row Ptl. Hynes was selected as Office of the Year.  He is the only two time recipient of this award since we began formally recognizing officers 16 years ago. Other award recipients were:


  • Sgt. Kevin Joo (DISTINGUISHED SERVICE) Sgt. Joo is only the fifth officer to receive this award in the 16 year history of the award ceremony.  He was recognized for his investigative efforts, leadership, and his lasting contributions to the Riverside Police Department.
  • DSgt Brandon Conard, Det. Shane Pettit, and Det. Scott Snow (EXCEPTIONAL DUTY) The detectives were honored for their cumulative efforts in 2022 with numerous investigations into aggravated and sexual assaults, firearms possession, drug distribution, identity fraud, thefts, and many others.   They also prepared and executed seven residential search warrants and effectively managed all evidence, property and discovery requests on a daily basis.   
  • Ptl. Gabriel Gardner (EXCEPTIONAL DUTY) Ptl. Gardner, only out of the academy for one year, has had one of the most successful and productive years of any rookie officer in the Riverside Police Department. 
  • Ptl. Michael Hynes (OUTSTANDING NARCOTICS INVESTIGATIONS) Ptl. Hynes was also recognized for his narcotics interdictions efforts in 2022 and also in assisting our Special Services Unit with identifying persons suffering from addiction, getting them treatment, and deterring them from criminal activity.
  • Ptl. Travis Perinho (CHIEF'S CITATION) Sgt. Perinho was recognized for his efforts to bring the car show back to Riverside which had been discontinued since 2019.  His efforts raised over $7,000 for the Police Unity Tour which raises awareness of officers killed in the line of duty.
  • Ptl. Anthony Congemi, Ptl. Nicholas Wallace, Ptl. Nicholas Strough (CHIEF'S CITATION) Ptl. Congemi, Wallace, and Strough were recognized for their use of personal time to assist other residents with a construction project to help a resident that had recently had a medical issue causing difficulty getting in and out of their residence.

All of our officers and their families were also acknowledged  for their ongoing contributions to our community events.  Without the assistance of our friends and family members some of our most popular community events would not be possible.

Once again, congratulations on a job well done and thank you for your dedication to the Riverside Township Police Department and our community!