Firefighter, Police Officer of the Year Honored

Firefighter Joseph Agresta and Patrolman Ronald Kubacki were honored Monday by the Strongsville St. Francis of Assisi Council of the Knights of Columbus for outstanding work.

Agresta, chosen as Strongsville Firefighter of the Year, is well respected by other members of the department, the award says, and is jokingly referred to as "Super Joe."

A member of the Strongsville department since 2005, Agresta said that other than his wife and children, "this (award) is the best thing that's ever happened."

Kubacki in 2010 solved a series of burglaries through "diligent and persistent field investigation." He also noticed one of the burglary suspects had a laser pointer and was able to solve another case being investigated by the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration involving someone shining a laser at low-flying jets.

Kubacki said he was honored to receive the award, but added that within the Strongsville police department, "anyone would be deserving."

Police Chief Charles Goss thanked the Knights of Columbus for recognizing police officers and firefighters with the annual awards.