BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD) has postponed its annual Police Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony.
Normally, the ceremony is held as a part of National Police Week, which honors officers who have died in the course of duty. It is also an opportunity for the BCPD to recognize its officers, and members of the community, who have performed above and beyond during the previous year.
Officials say that this year, the department will distribute 55 Unit Citations, 13 Professional Excellence Citations, six Lifesaving Award, one Meritorious Award, and one Purple Heart.
Wednesday, the BCPD announced the recipient of the 2020 Officer of the Year award, which has been named as Detective Randy Reinstein. He was honored during a presentation with social distancing measures in place.
Officials say Reinstein was chosen based on the recommendation of an awards committee comprised of his peers, and with final approval by the Chief’s office.
Reinstein was born in San Diego, California and graduated from Vicksburg High School. He attended Michigan State University and the Kalamazoo Regional Police Academy. He has been married for over 20 years to his “beautiful, smart, funny, and understanding” wife, Laura, and they have two “hilarious, talented, and handsome” sons, 16-year-old Jake and 13-year-old Jack. He also has a brother, his “partner in crime,” Greg.
He joined the BCPD in July 1995 and worked road patrol until 2004, when he was promoted to detective. He has served as a Special Investigations Unit undercover detective, on the Cold Case homicide team, as the ATF liaison for the Detective Bureau, and in the Inspector’s Office.
Reinstein says that his proudest achievements are receiving the LaVern Brann Memorial Award from Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun County in 2017; serving on the BCPD Honor Guard; and being the back-to-back champion in Doug Betts’ BCPD Fantasy Football League.
A video of the ceremony can be viewed online at this link.
