Rochester Voice 9:36 a.m.
Friday, July 21, 2023 9:38 am

Willis "Red" Hayes (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Police are seeking nominations for the Rochester Patrol Officer Community Service Award, also known as the "Red Hayes Community Ambassador Award."

Willis "Red" Hayes was a longtime Rochester Police Officer, a patrolman, visible to all in Central Square from the 1940s to the 1970s. He exhibited a buoyant spirit that welcomed others into his life even when working in a hostile situation. Friendly interaction was always evident so an individual felt special and respected. He could get beyond the hard shell of life and reach the spirit of the person.

His red face always showed a smile and his honed communication skills to draw out the best in every person. His style was to offer guidance and not provoke a hostile response.

"Red" was a conscientious and supportive friend to all Rochester citizens, while still exercising his duty to uphold the law.

This award may be given to a current patrol officer for their service in promoting and improving a positive community relationship.

Criteria

The patrol officer has earned the respect and admiration of the community through their good work as demonstrated by two or more of the following standards:

• Public testimony via correspondence to the department, i.e., thank you letters, phone calls, text messages, etc.
• Testimony from a fellow officer who has observed the public response to his or her actions while on duty.
• A previous citation from the command and or a civic group
• The officer exhibits some of the characteristics as listed below

• • Friendly interaction with the public so an individual feels special and respected in a criminal environment
  • Shows compassion for the situation
  • Outgoing, gregarious and "stands out beyond the uniform"
  • Willing to rehab criminal behavior even on the spot
  • Can foresee the danger in a given situation and reduce the tension
  • Exhibits positive community spirit through his or her voluntary involvement in the community.

Nomination Process

Any citizen and or member of the Rochester Police Department may recommend a candidate for this award. Nominations may be initiated by the Chief of Police and announced in the media, on public affairs channels, at Police Commission or City Council meetings. Citizen correspondence can be sent to

• The Willis "Red" Hayes Committee
  c/o the Rochester Police Department
  23 Wakefield Street
  Rochester, NH 03867

This award has been adopted in the Police Department Policy Standard 26.1.2 Commendations and Awards.

The nomination period is open until Aug. 4.