York City names Officer Joseph Abate III officer of the year at police awards

York City honored officers and civilian staff at a department awards ceremony that recognized lifesaving rescues, major investigations and sustained patrol work. Mayor Walker and Commissioner Julie Wheeler joined Commissioner (speaker) in presenting citations and the department named Officer Joseph Abate III as Officer of the Year.

The mayor, Mayor Walker, praised the honorees for actions that build “public trust and safety,” saying the awards reflect “performance that rises above expectations through decisive action, sound judgment, and a commitment to duty” (S2). Commissioner (S1) said he was “personally so proud” of the officers and framed the event as a moment to honor daily sacrifices that keep York City safe (S1).

Award citations read by department presenters highlighted specific incidents. Captain Irvin (S4) read the citation for Officers Victoria Baez and Reyes, who while off duty on Oct. 3, 2025 intervened to remove a suicidal person from an I‑83 overpass; the person was transported to York Hospital for treatment and both officers received the Commissioner’s Commendation (SEG 247–264). Captain Irvin’s reading noted that “without their quick actions, it is unknown how this event would have ended” (S4).

Other citations recognized investigative work and seizures. A presentation for Detective Monti (S6) described a multi‑month narcotics investigation into Darren Golburn that led to an arrest and seizure of approximately 144 grams of cocaine, $477 and an unregistered handgun; Monti received the Commissioner’s Commendation (SEG 266–302). A VIU surveillance detail that led to discovery of heroin and more than $2,300 in currency was cited in another award to Benton, Jay Harris and Sergeant Pickle (SEG 448–466).

The ceremony also cited interagency cooperation. Detectives Kyle Pitts and Kling and allied federal and state partners assisted in an Amber Alert response that recovered a child unharmed after a reported abduction and led to awards for the detectives involved (SEG 550–579). Presenters also described a cold‑case homicide review: detectives reexamined a 2020 juvenile homicide, obtained new warrants and evidence, and assisted in charging three people in connection with that case; the team was recognized for the investigative work (SEG 485–523).

The department presented an annual Civilian of the Year award to Charles (Chuck) Rainier, chosen by department staff for sustained support work, and then announced Officer Joseph Abate III as Officer of the Year. The commissioner said Abate responded to more than 1,000 calls for service last year, made 32 arrests across a range of offenses, led foot‑patrol engagement and contributed to collision reconstruction and training (SEG 944–993). The ceremony program and remarks sometimes referred to the recipient as “Bate” in spoken remarks; the transcript lists the full name as Joseph Abate the third (SEG 944–946, 991–993).

The event closed with the commissioner thanking retiring detectives and reaffirming the city’s commitment to supporting the department. No formal policy changes, motions or votes were taken during the ceremony; it was expressly a recognition event.

Notes: the article relies on award citations read at the ceremony and on remarks by the mayor and commissioners as recorded in the transcript. Where the transcript contains variant spellings or references (for example Golburn vs. Goldberg in nearby lines and Abate vs. Bate), the article follows the most complete forms presented in the citations and notes the other variants where they appear in the transcript.