Post News
April 2024
 |
 |
 |
The Wall That Heals
Post 145 supported the 2024 appearance of the The Wall That Heals at Lake Pleasant. Post members supported by guarding the wall from April 11th to April 14th and manning our American Legion booth. Members could be seen helping the visitors to the exhibit and sharing stories with veterans of all services. Paul Johnson stepped up and provided his wonderful voice for various presentations during the event. Thank you to all that volunteered!
March 2024
January-February 2024
Congratulations to Officer Steven Cusumano. Officer Cusumano was selected as Post 145's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2024. Officer Cusumano serves with the Peoria, AZ Police Department.
Sergeant Clint Martinez of the Peoria PD provided this biographical background in his nomination of Officer Steven Cusumano for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for a career of service as an exemplary police officer who has contributed above and beyond his call of duty toward attaining department goals and objectives, notably impacting the department and the community in a positive manner through his personal initiative and achievement.
Officer Cusumano has worked as a police officer with the city of Peoria since December 4, 1998. During Officer Cusumano’s career, he has made significant contributions to the agency as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), Street Crimes Unit Detective and a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Task Force Detective. Officer Cusumano’s performance is characterized by an unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He provides the highest levels of customer service to the community; completes high-quality investigations and reports; and his integrity is unquestionable. Officer Cusumano is an extremely adaptable and innovative officer of the highest caliber.
Officer Cusumano’s career began in patrol in 1998 and he quickly rose as an exemplary officer. Officer Cusumano's aptitude for drug investigations led him to the DEA Task Force where he was a critical part of investigations that obtained upwards of several million dollars in cash, drugs and property combined. During his time with the DEA Task Force, the department saw more funding and reduction in crime than any time previously.
During his many years as a Field Training Officer (FTO), Officer Cusuamano provided the foundation for several officers to grow and lead within the agency. He trained Officers Flin Alek and Edward Bakke (along with many others) who have risen through the ranks and excelled in their positions. All of these officers’ and supervisors’ career success was in-part due to Officer Cusumano’s rigorous training and attention-to-detail required them to constantly perform at an optimum level. His leadership, personality and ability to train others have all proven successful and been emulated throughout the agency.
Officer Cusumano was also an Explorer Advisor. In this role, he assisted in training and mentoring the new generation of recruits and community outreach. During his time with the Explorer program, he not only assisted prospective officers, Officer Cusumano assisted department’s recruitment team as well.