Wooster Police Department Announces Awards for Exemplary Service and Bravery

The Wooster Police Department is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions and heroic actions of two of its officers, Patrolman Connor Orr and Patrolman Thomas Sereika. Both officers have been awarded prestigious departmental honors for their exceptional service to the Wooster community and their response to life-threatening incidents.

Patrolman Thomas Sereika received the Life Saving Award for his decisive actions on New Year’s Day, 2026.

Responding to a report of a distraught person attempting suicide. Ptl. Sereika located the individual, which was not an easy task. Displayed a "calm demeanor and tactfulness," Sereika approached the person in a calm, personable tone to build rapport. He used distraction techniques to move within reach of the individual, then seized a momentary opportunity to grab the individual to safety. The person was subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation. The nomination by Sergeant Simmons noted that Ptl. Sereika’s experience and heroic actions directly saved the individual's life.

Patrolman Connor Orr received the Award of Honor.

The recommendation highlights Orr’s courageous response to an ambush on April 2, 2025. During a traffic stop, a suspect exited a vehicle and opened fire, striking the windshield of Orr’s cruiser twice while he was inside. Despite the immediate danger, Orr took evasive action and successfully radioed dispatch while under fire. He exited his vehicle to return fire, striking the attacker. He attempted to pursue the suspect even after his cruiser was rendered inoperable by gunfire. The nomination letter stated, “Patrolman Orr was faced with a deadly scenario that few of us, if any, have experienced.” Ptl. Orr responded according to his training, communicated effectively, and did not panic under the circumstances. “Patrolman Orr showed bravery and courageous calm during the entire incident under extraordinarily quick circumstances,” stated Sergeant Clint Bartolic.

Patrolman Orr also received the 2025 Officer of the Year Award for providing outstanding service to the community. Orr distinguished himself with a year of remarkable productivity, leading the department in response and activity, including 387 traffic stops (the majority drug-related), 137 arrests, and 228 recorded incident reports. Beyond his enforcement duties, Orr has served for three years as the local Boys and Girls Club's safety chairman.

Both officers received special recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives, presented by State Representative Meredith Craig.

“These awards reflect the Wooster Police Department’s commitment to professionalism, bravery, and community service,” said Police Chief Matt Fisher.