2 RI Police Officers Win National Community Policing Award

CENTRAL FALLS, RI — The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday recognized two Rhode Island police officers with a national honor.

Central Falls police Maj. Christopher Reed and Commander Sgt. Jeffrey Araujo were two of the 18 police officers nationwide to be recipients of the fifth annual Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing.

"Doing justice is about a lot more than arrests and convictions, it’s about working hand-in-hand with every one of our communities to understand their needs and to serve as partners in keeping our families and neighbors safe," U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha said. "Today's awards represent well-earned recognition of exactly that kind of partnership in policing. I am proud to congratulate Central Falls Police Department Investigative Bureau Major Christopher Reed and Central Falls Police Department Detective Commander Sgt. Jeffrey Araujo on their superb work as reflected by this award."

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the award recipients in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday and congratulated the officers for their achievements.

"The work of law enforcement has always been difficult — but perhaps no more so than in the recent past, as officers have faced a host of significant challenges," Garland said in a statement. "The officers and deputies receiving this year’s awards demonstrate how so many go above and beyond, even in the midst of trying circumstances."