Arlington Hts. police officer Michael Cowsert honored

For his work with students with special needs, Officer Michael Cowsert, a 15-year veteran of the Arlington Heights Police Department, has been named the L.W. Calderwood Officer of the Year.

Cowsert has been particularly praised for his dedication and compassion for the students of Timber Ridge and Miner Schools, operated by the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization.

Cowsert, who has been assigned as a youth investigator in the Criminal Investigation Bureau since 2008, is currently the liaison officer for the two schools. Families report he is someone both children and parents can trust and rely on. In addition, the officer during his career has earned a commendation and several distinguished performance citations, and citizens have sent complimentary letters about him.

“I am proud of Officer Cowsert’s accomplishments,” said Captain Richard Niedrich, who is in charge of the department’s investigations division. “He is a caring and compassionate officer who has always been eager and willing to go the extra mile to serve the public and assist his peers.”

Before holding his current post as school resource officer, Cowsert served as a patrol officer, traffic crash reconstructor and instructor for the Arlington Heights Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy.

Any member of the department can nominate another member for the award, which is sponsored by the Arlington Heights Rotary Club. The police department’s supervisory staff makes the final vote.

The award is named for Bill Calderwood, Arlington Heights Chief of Police from 1958 through 1976.

The Arlington Heights Police Department and the Arlington Heights Rotary Club will honor Cowsert at a luncheon Thursday, March 8, at the Wellington of Arlington Restaurant, 2121 S. Arlington Heights Road.