Officer Chris Ascher Named Clinton Cunningham Officer Of the Year

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The memory of late Newtown Township Police Officer Clinton Cunningham lives on in the Clinton Cunningham Officer of the Year.

This year, Officer Chris Ascher has earned the honor.

Ascher was nominated for the award by his fellow police officers.

Ascher’s fellow officers describe him as “a well-rounded individual who always has a positive attitude, demonstrates professionalism, is dedicated to serving the community, respects his fellow officers and represents himself in a professional manner.”

He has been with the Newtown Township Police Department for three years, where he leads the Use of Force training programs.

The Clinton Cunningham Officer of the Year Award is named in memory of Sgt. Clinton Cunningham, a dedicated Newtown Township police officer who died unexpectedly in 2018.

To be named Officer of the Year, a police officer has to meet the following criteria:

• Builds Community—Promotes a sense of community within the department
• Promotes Inclusivity—Welcomes and values diversity of opinions in discussions; demonstrates tolerance of others; considers accessibility, diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of job assignments; adheres to respectful workplace expectations.
• Demonstrates Leadership Qualities—Provides on-going high-quality performance; directs people to resources; sees work assignments from a big picture point-of-view; seeks to improve police operations; handles difficult situations and assignments well; and personifies dependability.
• Exemplifies Mission—Embodies the department’s mission statement, purpose, vision and values; advances the priorities of the department through completion of work assignments; recognizes his role in achieving department goals; and is motivated by the pursuit of excellence.

"I am honored to present this award to Chris," Police Chief Christopher Lunn said."He is extremely passionate about his job and his willingness to share his expertise in Jiu Jitsu with his fellow officers is just one example of how he consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. Officers like Chris are assets to our community and contribute greatly to making our department the best it can be."