Retail group names Rochester Patrol Sgt. law enforcement partner of the year

Rochester Patrol Sgt. Carl Root accepts the award from State Senator and Rochester City Councilor Jim Gray (Courtesy photo)

BOW - The New Hampshire Retail Association on Wednesday recognized the excellence of a Rochester patrol sergeant in his work in reducing the amount of retail theft in the community.

Rochester Patrol Sgt. Carl Root was named 2023 Law Enforcement Partner of the Year for his work in reducing the amount of retail theft, especially organized retail theft, according to a press release from the association sent out on Wednesday. State Senator Regina Birdsell, who represents District 19, was chosen this year's Legislator of the Year.

Awarded annually, the New Hampshire Retail Association's Law Enforcement Partner of the Year award recognizes an outstanding member of the law enforcement community who has gone above and beyond to help retailers and successfully opened the lines of communication between retailers and law enforcement. Root was recognized for his expert investigation skills that have resulted in thwarting the effects of organized retail theft in the Greater Rochester area.

Root began his career in law enforcement in 1993 with the New City York Police Department, where he served 26 years, before retiring from his position of Detective Sergeant in 2019. In 2019, he and his family relocated to New Hampshire where he emerged from retirement and was hired by the Rochester Police Department. After a year as a patrolman, he was promoted to detective, where he served in that rank for two years. During that time, he investigated numerous crimes, ranging from retail theft to homicide.

In August of 2022, he was promoted to sergeant and he presently serves in the Patrol Bureau of the Rochester Police Department. Serving in his current assignment, he stresses the importance of combating organized retail theft to the younger career officers and helps convey the widespread impact that it has on everyone. Additionally, he assists the seasoned patrol officers overseeing their work for best practice techniques while ensuring that cases are processed to the Investigative Bureau faster - with the goal of successful prosecutions.

Chief Gary Boudreau said Root is well deserving of the recognition.

"I am thrilled and honored that Carl was chosen for this award," Boudreau said. "He is an asset to the Rochester Police Department and the community."

Each year, the New Hampshire Retail Association also honors one legislator who displays a deep understanding and appreciation for policies that affect the retail industry. The honorary Legislator of the Year exhibits a strong commitment to retail-friendly policy, which may vary from monumental singular legislation to a multitude of legislation that demonstrates their industry support.

In 2022 Birdsell was the prime sponsor of SB355, requiring online marketplaces to disclose certain information to consumers, better known as the INFORM Act. Birdsell worked tirelessly and garnered bipartisan support in the Senate where the bill passed unanimously. While the bill ultimately did not make it to the Governor's desk, Senator Birdsell remained engaged in the issue and was prepared to renew the fight until the bill was adopted by Congress and signed by President Biden.

Birdsell has been a tireless advocate for the NH Advantage, worked diligently to reduce business taxes, and established business-friendly tax policies that have led to outstanding business growth in the state of New Hampshire. She also continues to be a strong supporter of first responders and mental health, serving as Chair of the Commission to Study Incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in First Responders.

"Senator Birdsell has advocated for policies and laws that maintain and advance New Hampshire's strong retail climate and actively worked to oppose restrictive legislation. The Retail Association is grateful for all of her efforts on behalf of the business community," stated Curtis Picard, President, and CEO, of the New Hampshire Retail Association.

Lawmakers and retail industry partners will gather today at the 57th Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Retail Association for formal celebrations and in-person recognition. The Annual Meeting will be at the Holiday Inn in Concord starting at 11 a.m.