Novato PD Announces Employee of the Year

The Novato Police Department is proud to announce Detective Steve Cogan as the Novato Police Department Employee of the Year. Det. Cogan will be honored on Sat., March 16, at the Novato Elks Lodge.

Steven Cogan was hired by the Novato Police Department in 1984. During his tenure with NPD, Steve has worked in Patrol and Investigations as both a Detective and School Resource Officer. Steve has performed ancillary assignments to include Field Training Officer, Crisis Negotiation Team member, then assistant team leader, Chaplain Coordinator, and DARE Instructor.

Steve is currently assigned to his second rotation as a Detective primarily investigating sex crimes and crimes against children. Steve has received certification from the Robert Pressley Institute of Criminal Investigation in the area of sexual assault investigation and gang crime investigation. Steve was honored as the Marin County Police Officer of the Year in 1991.

Steve is the two-time recipient of the Novato Police Department Medal of Valor and a recipient of the Medal of Merit. The first Medal of Valor was awarded for Steve’s involvement in rescuing the resident of an apartment building that was actively on fire.

The second Medal of Valor was awarded for Steve’s actions while driving to work. Steve came upon a solo vehicle collision with the driver trapped inside of a burning vehicle. Steve freed the driver from the vehicle prior to it becoming engulfed in flames. Steve was awarded the Medal of Merit for his participation in the arrest of a subject who had barricaded himself in his residence after lighting his bedroom furniture on fire.

Steve has continued to distinguish himself through recent actions resulting in his selection as the Novato Police Department Employee of the Year.

On May 4, 2012, Steve responded from his residence to continue negotiation with an armed subject who had barricaded himself in his home with his estranged wife. After approximately forty five minutes of negotiation, Steve convinced the subject to release his estranged wife. Approximately one hour later, Steve convinced the subject to surrender peacefully. The subject was then taken into custody without further incident or injury.

One of two nominations received on Steve’s behalf noted, “It is my belief that the incident may have had a much different outcome if not for the involvement of Detective Cogan. Detective Cogan was a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team for many years prior to this incident. He brought a level of expertise and professionalism that could not have otherwise been replicated. Detective Cogan used his experience and excellent communication skills to help bring a peaceful resolution to a very volatile situation.”

The second nomination recognized Steve for his unwavering dedication to the citizen’s of Novato and the other members of the Novato Police Department.

The nomination further read, “Detective Cogan has recently conducted a number of interviews in regards to a child sexual assault investigation in which I documented the original report. I had the opportunity to participate and assist with one child forensic interview conducted by Detective Cogan. I was impressed with his skill and patience while conducting the interview in which a juvenile child was extremely hesitant to provide information. Detective Cogan developed a rapport with the child which eventually led to her divulging the needed information. The interview had been difficult to witness as the information provided by the child was heartbreaking. I strongly believe one of the main reasons the information was obtained was because of Detective Cogan’s skill, patience, and compassion. Detective Cogan not only represents to me a superior Detective but also a valuable peer and teacher.”

It is with great pride that the Novato Police Department, on behalf of all its employees, recognizes Steve Cogan for his dedication to the citizen’s of Novato and his family at the Novato Police Department by announcing his selection as Employee of the Year.