AKWESASNE – The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe congratulates Matthew Rourke on being named 2023 Chief of Police of the Year by the National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA). Rourke’s well-deserved distinction was announced at NNALEA’s 30th Annual National Training Conference hosted by the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe on Seskéha/August 30, 2023.
“I’m extremely humbled and honored to receive this recognition from my peers in the Native American law enforcement community,” said Rourke, who serves as Chief of Police for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department. He added, “I’m fortunate to work with a great team of professional and community-minded police officers, and a police commission and tribal council that are very supportive and forward-thinking in regard to the community’s safety.”
The National Native American Law Enforcement Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to promote and foster mutual cooperation between American Indian law enforcement agencies, tribes, private industry and the public. To support this effort; their annual gathering brings together law enforcement personnel, emergency management, emergency services, natural resources, and environmental protection professionals for three days of joint training on major issues facing Indian country.
During this year’s Annual Conference, an awards ceremony was held that provided an opportunity for partnering agencies to recognize law enforcement leaders and agencies for “Making Tribal Communities the Safest Communities in America.” Rourke was recognized for helping instill a cooperative approach for the 35-member tribal police department in crime prevention and community safety programs in the Mohawk community of Akwesasne.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Commission joined in congratulating Rourke as the 2023 Chief of Police of the Year, stating “Chief of Police Matthew Rourke has shown devotion to the Akwesasne community for the past 25…
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