Above:(L-R) Broken Arrow Police Department Detective Brett Burton, Broken Arrow Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Seth Rich.
Officer, Firefighter of the Year Announced BY AARON MCCOLLOCH
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he Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce announced the Officer and Firefighter of the Year at its Annual Awards Gala Feb. 5, 2022. Congratulations to Broken Arrow Police Department Detective Brett Burton and Broken Arrow Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Seth Rich! Det. Burton has been with BAPD since 2000 and served in various roles on all three patrol shifts, Special Investigations Unit and Traffic Unit. He is currently assigned to Digital Evidence Lab and Property Crimes for the area of Broken Arrow located in Wagoner County. He is also tasked with examining and managing forensic files from devices recovered during investigations. “Humbling. Very humbling,” said Det. Burton of learning he had won the award. “I had no idea whatsoever. “There’s over 260 officers here that are all each deserving of the same honor. Everybody does their work beyond and above what their normal tasks are for.” In 2020, Det. Burton received a Chief’s Award for finding funds from
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of heroism, but instead, firefighters are measured daily against each other. And that’s okay with Rich. As he said, the feeling among firefighters is that they’re not heroes. “There’s a saying, ‘Just do your job.’ And this is everyone’s job and what’s unused accounts, which provided expected.” detectives with department-issued Rich was recognized as an asset cell phones to further assist on to the many different divisions and investigations. committees within BAFD and stood Additionally, since 2003, Det. out because of his work ethic and Burton has maintained his instructor attitude. According to the nomination certification as a Drug Recognition submission form, Firefighter Rich Expert and recently introduced a “exhibits leadership qualities that Standardized Field Sobriety Test normally aren’t exhibited until you Instructor course to the BAPD Training have reached the pinnacle of a career. Center. However, he continues to display a Being a police officer is a fulfilling hunger and positive attitude with each job with a core mission that is shared subsequent shift.” throughout the force, he said. So, with high praise like that and “We all are there as first responders, and our main priority is the safety of our having been recognized as the 2021 Firefighter of the Year, does Rich feel community. And so, we make sure that any added pressure? we uphold that.” “I do, absolutely,” he said with a laugh. Congratulations, Det. Brett Burton, “You don’t want to mess up at all after the 2021 Officer of the Year. you’ve won an award like that which Seth Rich has been with BAFD for you know, they’ll always be a little six years and it’s a career that he says is hiccups and little mistakes. But there’s a calling. definitely a little bit of added pressure The Broken Arrow Firefighter of the to continue to do well and continue to Year award means a lot to Rich because of the process to determine the recipient. raise the bar.” Congratulations, Firefighter Seth Rich. “It’s a big deal and I was thankful of that,” said Rich of his winning the award. “The award is nominated by peers which City of Broken Arrow makes it even more special to me.” 220 S. FIRST STREET | BROKEN ARROW, OK The award is not limited to single acts (918) 251-5311 | WWW.BROKENARROWOK.GOV
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