American Legion honors Floyd and Pichert

Any Worthington resident who has graduated from the Worthington Division of Police Citizens Police Academy knows Officer Tammy Floyd.

Another first responder, Worthington firefighter Joe Pichert is a mentor to many of his colleagues in the department.

Floyd and Pichert recently were honored as the 2023 Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year, respectively, by Worthington American Legion Leasure-Blackston Post 239.

Each year, Post 239 recognizes a police officer and firefighter of the year in Worthington.

The selection is based on the recommendation of the chiefs of the respective safety departments. This year, the awards were presented in September, National Preparedness Month.

“This honor is awarded to the individuals who best exemplifies professionalism throughout the year in all aspects of their duties,” said John Dernberger, post adjutant of Post 239.

The award honors outstanding overall performance rather than a singular action, but also considers performance and attitude toward the community and colleagues.

“Congratulations to both these public servants for being selected as police officer and firefighter of the year, and special thanks to their families who have made sacrifices in support of their loved one,” Dernberger said.

Pichert was selected by his peers as the firefighter of the year. He has been a fulltime firefighter and paramedic with the Worthington Division of Fire since 2017.

But his familiarity with the division goes back to 2001 when Pichert joined the Worthington Division of Fire as a high school Explorer cadet.

He was a part-time firefighter before joining the division full-time in 2017.

“(Pichert) is a role model to all of us, and a friend when someone needs one. He quickly became a leader within our organization and someone other firefighters feel comfortable going to for his guidance,” Fire Chief Mark Zambito said.

Floyd is the community resource officer and oversees the division’s Citizens Police Academy.

“(Floyd) functions exceedingly well in her role as a community resource officer and is very effective and personable in her interactions with citizens, peers and supervisors,” Worthington Police Chief Eric Grile said.

Her work as resource officer includes organizing events such as National Night Out, the Division of Police Open House, and as a liaison with elementary and middle schools. Additionally, Floyd organizes the Citizens Police Academy and Neighborhood Block Watch program.

Floyd, “is a critical asset when communicating with individuals and groups that have different backgrounds and life experiences (and) displays a positive attitude toward the job, the community, and law enforcement profession,” Grile said.

“Her dedication to duty and service to the community reflects well on the city of Worthington, the Division of Police, and the law enforcement profession. She exemplifies what fellow officers, supervisors, administrators, and citizens of Worthington recognize as an officer who performs above expectations as a Worthington police officer,” Grile said.

“We are proud to be alongside our police and fire departments to recognize the service of these individuals,” said Glenn Luksik, commander of Post 239.