Four members of the Hillsboro Police Department were recognized recently for the impact they had on the department and community last year.
The awards were presented by Chief Darrick Curtis at the Jan. 5 Board of Alderpersons meeting.
Officer of the Quarter
Cpl. Shelby Cornett received the Officer of the Quarter award for the last quarter of 2025.
Curtis said Cornett has stepped up as a leader within the department because of her involvement in coordinating Hillsboro’s role in the Jefferson County Shop with a Cop program and serving as an adjunct instructor at the Jefferson College Law Enforcement Academy.
“She continues to develop her leadership strengths and is a true asset to the department,” he said.
Meritorious Service Award
Officer Dean Rodgers received the Meritorious Service Award, which is presented to an officer for “highly credible accomplishments that bring acclaim to the officer and the department through the officer’s devotion to duty, exceptional service or commitment to the law enforcement profession.”
Rodgers has been a school resource officer with the Hillsboro R-3 School District for four years.
Curtis said Rodgers, who has been a school resource officer in the district for four years, has made an indelible mark on students by meeting them where they are.
“Sometimes it’s through a joke and a laugh; sometimes it’s a stern look. Still other times, it is just lending a listening ear,” he said. “(He has) been authentic and allowed them to be authentic with (him). Most importantly, students have looked to (him) in their time of need, which is perhaps the highest compliment one can receive.”
2025 Officer of the Year
Officer Michael Beutel was again selected as the 2025 Hillsboro Police Officer of the Year.
Curtis said this award is unique because it is voted on by peers rather than command staff or supervisors.
Buetel has won this award for the second year in a row.
Curtis highlighted Buetel’s supportive attitude with coworkers, his willingness to take on new and additional projects, his passion for instructing and organization of department training as reasons for the recognition.
“He has certainly made an impact on our department,” Curtis said.
Brad C. Maassen Officer of the Year
Sgt. Richard Tufts received the Brad C. Maassen Officer of the Year award.
The honor is awarded annually to an officer who consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the growth and success of the Hillsboro Police Department, Curtis said.
It is named in memory of the late Officer Brad Maassen, who was killed in March 2020 in an off-duty ATV crash.
Members of Maassen’s family, including his parents Ron and Linda Maassen and sister Jillian Hanson, attended the meeting.
Curtis said Maassen was “all-in” for Hillsboro and truly believed in making a difference in the community he served.
“Sgt. Tufts embodies the spirit of this award through his selfless commitment to the mission of our agency, his determination to see vision brought to reality, going above and beyond for members of the Hillsboro community and for encouraging and sharing his positive outlook with others in the agency,” Curtis said.