In 1962, the late President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Activities are held around the world on that day and during National Police Week that honor officers who have died in the course of duty.
In recognition of National Police Week, the Battle Creek Police Department typically would hold its annual Police Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony. However, due to the COVID-19, organizers will postpone the ceremony until this fall.
The local event is an opportunity for the BCPD to recognize its officers, and members of the community, who have performed above and beyond during the previous year.
This year the department will distribute 55 Unit Citations, 13 Professional Excellence Citations, six Lifesaving Award, one Meritorious Award, and one Purple Heart.
Detective Randy Reinstein is the 2020 Officer of the Year, and Police Chief Jim Blocker formally recognized him during a presentation – with appropriate social distancing – today at the Police Department.
The Officer of the Year honor designates Reinstein as the department’s representative at various civic group and organization events throughout the year. He was chosen based on the recommendation of an awards committee comprised of his peers, and with final approval by the Chief’s office.
Reinstein was born in San Diego, Calif., and graduated from Vicksburg High School. He attended Michigan State University and the Kalamazoo Regional Police Academy. He has been married for over 20 years to his “beautiful, smart, funny, and understanding” wife, Laura, and they have two “hilarious, talented, and handsome” sons, 16-year-old Jake and 13-year-old Jack. He also has a brother, his “partner in crime,” Greg.
Reinstein’s first full-time law enforcement job was in Bedford Township, from 1990 to 1995. He joined the BCPD in July 1995 and worked road patrol until 2004, when he was promoted to detective. He has served as a Special Investigations Unit undercover detective, on the Cold Case homicide team, as the ATF liaison for the Detective Bureau, and in the Inspector’s Office.
While not on duty, Reinstein enjoys being home with his family, and traveling to the Upper Peninsula. His proudest achievements are receiving the LaVern Brann Memorial Award from Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun County in 2017; serving on the BCPD Honor Guard; and being the back-to-back champion in Doug Betts’ BCPD Fantasy Football League.
Congratulations to Detective Reinstein!