Nominations open for coveted Red Hayes award

Red Hayes on foot patrol in Rochester in photo from 1960s. (Courtesy image)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Police Department is accepting nominations for the fifth annual Rochester, NH Patrol Officer Community Service Award a.k.a the "Red Hayes Community Ambassador Award."

The nomination period is open until Jan. 29

Willis "Red" Hayes was a longtime Rochester Police Officer, a patrolman, visible to all on the square in Rochester 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 to the spirit of the person.

His red face always showed a smile and his honed communication skills drew out the best in the other person. His style was to offer guidance and not provoke a hostile response. Red was a conscientious and supportive friend to all of Rochester Citizens while exercising his public duty to uphold the law.

This award will be given to - and is only eligible to - a current patrol officer for his or her service in promoting and improving a positive community relationship.

Some of the criteria includes that 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.

Any citizen and or member of the Rochester Police Department may recommend a candidate for this award.

Annually nominations will 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.

Last year's award went to longtime Patrol Officer Jamey Balint.