SRO Armando Dominquez (right) with Chief Mel Ortiz. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

SRO Armando Dominquez (right) with Chief Mel Ortiz. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Summit Officer Earns National Honor, New Police Officer Joins Force

Summit Police Officer Armando Dominguez received a standing ovation at the Summit Village Board meeting after being named National School Resource Officer of the Year, an honor presented at the National School Safety Conference.

The award recognizes school resource officers who have made specific and significant contributions to their local communities or school districts.

“Getting this award has been the highlight of my career. “I was always wanting to work in schools with kids. I’ve always wanted to be somebody to help out kids in a time of need,” Dominguez said.

“Giving the students love and receiving it back makes every day worth it. I greet every student with a smile on my face.  I offer a hug, a high five, or fist bump. You never know what these kids went through before they got to school. I see some sad faces in the morning, so I always strive to be their joy when they walk through those doors.  I’ve fostered so many positive relationships with the students.  Relationships that will last a lifetime.”

Summit Police Chief Mel Ortiz congratulated Dominguez.

“The award was a pleasant surprise to us all. The fact that he was being recognized for his efforts on a national level is a great honor. I am very proud of his accomplishments and I have witnessed firsthand the impact that he has with the students of District 104.”

Dominguez was congratulated and thanked by Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, the village board, and received applause for the filled boardroom.

At the same meeting, Avzi Dardovski, son of Summit Village Trustee Sam Dardovski, was sworn-in as a full-time Summit police officer.

Ortiz congratulates Dardovski

Chief Mel Ortiz (right) congratulates Officer Avzi Dardovski. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Chief Ortiz said Dardovski’s hire is well deserved.

“I was happy to swear in Avzi Dardvoski as our newest full-time officer. He had been working as a part-time officer with us and was glad to hear that he decided to apply to make it his full-time career, he said.

“He has demonstrated to be a good hire for the department. The fact that he was born and raised in Summit is a plus for the community. We look forward to his service and growth as a young officer.”

Coming up:

  • The next village board meeting will take place on Monday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m.
  • Summit Neighborhood Watch Meetings will resume after Summer break on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the village boardroom.

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