Hillsborough Police Recognize 2 Officers With 2025 Top Cop Awards

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Officers John Johnson and David Chehade have been chosen as the Hillsborough Police Department’s 2025 Top Cop Award recipients, said Police Chief Michael McMahon.

Johnson was selected from A-Squad and Chehade was selected from B-Squad, according to the department announcement.

The Top Cop program is designed to recognize the performance of its top-rated officers. Two officers, one from each of the department’s two patrol squads, are selected to receive the recognition for the previous year.

The award recipients are determined based on a score from their annual job performance evaluations, along with rankings from their supervisors and peers.

"I love this. It's annual evaluations and peer feedback," said Committeewoman Samantha Hand at the Tuesday Committee meeting. "

"When you're recognized amongst your peers, best of the best, it's just a huge congratulations to the officers. It is in recognition of their hard work."

Both officers will receive accommodation in their permanent file, a special award bar on their uniform, and their names will be engraved on a commemorative plaque in the police headquarters lobby.

"Congratulations to both the officers," said Hand.

Johnson has been a member of the department since 2018, where he has served in the Patrol Division and as a School Resource Officer.

Johnson has received several Command Citations, letters of appreciation, and several Supervisory Commendations. This is the first time Johnson has received the Top Cop award.

Chehade has been a member of the department since 2023 and has served in the Patrol Division.

Chehade has received several Command Citations and Supervisory Commendations. He received several letters of appreciation from the community for his work during the performance of his duties.

This is also the first time Chehade has received the Top Cop award.

The annual recognition program continues a department tradition that has been in place for nearly three decades, with winners from each year added to the headquarters plaque.