Mercer County Sheriff's Officer of the Year Honored

Officer Michael Orlando is the Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer of the Year, Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler announced.

The Officer of the Year award is given to a well-rounded officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of their position and have demonstrated a distinct and positive pattern of service and professional achievement.

Orlando, a 16-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office is assigned to the Sheriff’s Courts Division. He oversees the processing, movement, and securing of inmates and those awaiting trial. Orlando processes over 100 individuals per week in a safe and secure manner, with no major incidents under his watch.

Prior to that, Orlando served in the Sheriff’s Patrol Unit and Bike Patrol; He is a 23-year veteran of the United States Air Force serving in the Persian Gulf and Southwest Asia

Orlando was honored during an awards ceremony at the Mercer County Criminal Courthouse on May 15.

At the ceremony, which Mercer County Sunshine Foundation President Cathy DiCostanzo presented two significant awards.

The first was a proclamation presented to all officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and PBA 187, for their support in sending three children to Operation Dream Lift and for making their annual event a reality.

The second award was to Kemler and his wife Annette for their long-lasting and meaningful contributions to the Mercer County Sunshine foundation over the years. A memorial brick will be placed in memory of their late grandson, Vincent Jacovino, at the Sunshine Foundation’s Dream Village.

Kemler also presented Line of Duty Awards to officers, investigators, and detectives who displayed notable performance, heroism, or lifesaving.

“These awards speak volumes to each officer’s commitment, professionalism, and valor. Their dedication to serve the public is an inspiration to the residents of Mercer County,” Kemler said.

The awards were presented as follows:

Sheriff’s Medal of Honor: Detective William Miller

Sheriff’s Gallantry Medal: Officer Anthony Conway

Sheriff’s Lifesaving Medal: Sheriff’s Officers Ralph MacKelvey and Anibal Santos

Sheriff’s Achievement Medals: Officer Vito Vacirca and Lieutenant Harry Harbourt

Sheriff’s Letters of Commendation: Officers David Smithson, Pat Papero, Thomas Sweeney

Sheriff’s Military Award: Officers Jennifer Lynn, Joel Adams, Peter Novobilsky, Marc Manfredi and Dennis Powlish

Sheriff’s Recognition Award: The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Airport Unit

Years of Service Awards were also presented to officers with 10, 15, and 25 years of departmental service.

Attached Photo, provided by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office: Left to Right: Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler and Sheriff’s Officer of the Year Michael Orlando