The Aurora Exchange Club in association with the Aurora Police Department, will once again name its choice for “Police Officer of the Year” during a luncheon on May 22 at the Gaslite Manor, 2485 Church Road.

Three Aurora police officers who displayed outstanding efforts in 2017 have been nominated for the annual award.

This year’s nominees include:

• Investigator Dave Brian for his outstanding work on the murder of 18-year-old Clarence King of Aurora that still continues today.
• Officer Jay Ellis for his efforts during a six-day period when he secured or assisted in securing charges on several individuals and seized drugs and weapons during proactive patrols at a South East Side public housing complex. He’s also being recognized for his actions to a reported shooting, where a high ranking gang member was a target, and showing compassion to a retired Marine who was the victim of a major theft.
• Officer Steve Pacenti for catching a pair of juveniles who had fled from him earlier in his shift and, four days later, confiscating a gun on a traffic stop which led to two men being charged with felonies. He’s also being recognized for his actions in several incidents that took three guns off the streets in about one month’s time and charges against five suspects.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 each and can be reserved by calling 630-256-5008. The deadline to purchase tickets is May 11.

About The Exchange Club of Aurora

The Exchange Club of Aurora has sponsored the Police Officer of the Year award and handed it out annually since 1963. It is a community service organization founded on the principles of service and patriotism and is affiliated with the National Exchange Club. Aside from honoring the service of Aurora police and firefighters, it also funds programs to prevent child abuse and help young scholars achieve their dreams.

SOURCE: Aurora Exchange Club and Aurora Police Department news release