Congratulations to Rachaud Russell for his Community Award from our Club as Police Officer of the Year 2024. A ceremony was held in his honor on October 8 at the Police Sub-station at the mall. Community Award Chairperson, Helen Shine, presented him with the plaque with many of his family members in attendance including his fiancé. Their wedding is in seventeen days!
Officer Russell served in the United States Marine Corp for four years as an aircraft maintenance operator. A native of Colorado, when stationed at Cherry Point, he fell in love with the area and decided to stay. When his service time was up, he attended Basic Law Enforcement Training and became a New Bern Police Officer.
Rachaud is active in the day-to-day operations of the agency. He became a Field Training Officer, which is extremely important for the successful future of all officers and the community at large. As a motor officer, he has had extensive training as it relates to the safety and tactical operation of a motorcycle. He is now the first Black male motor officer of the Traffic Enforcement Unit.
Officer Russell volunteers for many assignments and is proud to shine the best light possible on the Department. In 2021, he became a part of the Noble Knights Chess Program offered by the department and donates his time every Monday evening mentoring and sharing his love for the game with children within the community.
He is a talented chess player, starting this activity when he was in middle school. His enthusiasm is driven by its benefits, such as problem solving, decision-making, critical thinking, planning, and creative thinking. This also serves as a platform for developing lasting and positive relationships with the community youth.
Chief of Police, Patrick Gallagher commented, “He is a tremendous asset not only to this agency in his daily activities, but also the community. He truly has the values that are set forth in the Civitan Creed and Mission Statement by building good citizenship.
Congratulations, Officer Russell, for all you do for our community. Thank you for your service!