The 2023 Oneida County American Legion Convention, held June 10, honored police officers of the year, awarded scholarships, and recognized the work of Legion Posts.

Law and Order Awards

Paul Wojcik, Oneida County Legion’s law-and-order chairman, announced that two cops were being honored as Oneida County police officers of the year. They are: Rome Patrolwoman Jenna Kiskiel and New Hartford Investigator W. Jason Freiberger.

Lee Legion Post 1794 nominated Officer Kiskiel, citing “dedication and professionalism” that “reinforces the ideal expectations of modern law enforcement.” She holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in criminal investigation. Kiskiel completed basic investigation photography course, instructor development course, crime scene and evidence specialist course, and police field training course.   

Edward L. Clonan Post 1000 in Chadwicks nominated Investigator Freiberger, noting that in 2022 he was “instrumental in several major criminal investigations the Town of New Hartford” and that these “investigations required diligent and comprehensive investigative techniques, to include undercover work, search warrant executions and suspect interrogations.” He also “goes above and beyond to support the investigative needs of fellow members of the department.” Freiberger has been with the Town Police Department for 16 years. In 2021 he was promoted to the rank of Investigator with the Criminal Investigations Division.

Scholarship Winners

Scholarship Chair Guy Berogan presented scholarships to the following four students:

- Emily Gubbins, $500

- Colin White, $500

- Don Philip Murnane III, $250

- Michael J. Vetter, $250            

Newsletter Winners

Publications Chair Mike Wakefield announced the winners of the annual Legion Post newsletter competition:

- 1st place went to New Hartford Post 1376.

- 2nd place went to Helmuth-Ingalls Post 232, Clinton.

- 3rd place went to Sylvan Beach Post 1153.

Membership Awards

Membership Chair Walt Constantini presented certificates of recognition to the following Legion Posts for achieving or exceeding 100 percent of their membership goals.

-  Clifford J. Fulmer Post 92, Waterville.

- Wick-Staley Post 231, Clayville.

- George Glen Hughes Post 890, Remsen.

- Whitestown Post 1113, Whitesboro.

- Fort Schuyler Post 1290, Utica.

- Oriskany Post 1448, Oriskany.