East Aurora High School Student Resource Officer and Aurora Police Officer Jason Woolsey was recently recognized with the Daughters of the American Revolution Distinguished Citizen Medal, law enforcement officials recently announced.
Woolsey, who has been the school’s student resource officer since 2020, was nominated for the award by East Aurora High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Senior Instructor and Retired Navy Cmdr. Mike Kerley, according to a news release from the Aurora Police Department.
Officials said in the release that the award is nationally competitive and so was approved by the national-level Daughters of the American Revolution, which also considered a number of other nominations.
“I am truly humbled to receive this award, and this helps me recognize that I’m on the right path toward selfless service and giving back to the students I work with each day,” Woolsey said in the release.
According to the release, Woolsey was nominated for his daily commitment and service to the East Aurora High School community.
The Daughters of the American Revolution Distinguished Citizen Medal is given to recognize individuals and those who display the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism, officials said in the release.
The medal is awarded to emergency first responders, EMS, active-duty military, veterans of the U.S. armed forces and citizens who have contributed to the defense and security of the community, state or nation in an exceptional manner, according to the release
“This is a well-deserved award for Officer Woolsey who has dedicated his adult life to service. From his time in the United States Marine Corps, working at the Chicago Police Department during his early career, and his service and dedication here in Aurora, he is a great example of what it means to be a part of something larger than yourself,” Aurora Police Cmdr. Steve Stemmet said in the release.
Woolsey has been with the Aurora Police Department since 2007, and before that, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001, the news release said.