NYPD Officer Thomas Bucholz: Midtown South Precinct’s “Officer of the Year”

In a heartwarming ceremony filled with cheers from colleagues and loved ones, 30-year-old NYPD Officer Thomas Bucholz was named the Midtown South Precinct’s “Officer of the Year” at the Safe City Safe Streets Luncheon at Manhattan Penthouse. Among those celebrating this significant achievement was a very special guest—Bucholz’s two-month-old daughter, Scarlett, witnessing one of her father’s proudest moments. The dedicated officer, who has served New York City for nearly a decade, humbly dedicated the prestigious award to his fellow officers, acknowledging the collective effort behind keeping Midtown safe. “It’s a very big honor to me. It’s a very big precinct and I’m not the only one who does tremendous work,” Bucholz remarked before the ceremony. His humility shines through as he emphasized, “Everyone there goes above and beyond for the community. We are all there to do better for the people of Midtown, and the business owners and the tourists as well.”

Bucholz earned this distinguished recognition following a significant arrest in September when he demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to public safety. The incident involved a high-stakes pursuit after a suspect fled the scene of a serious crash. Showing remarkable determination and skill, Bucholz successfully chased down and apprehended the criminal who was found with an alarming arsenal of weapons and drugs in their vehicle. The seizure included a defaced assault rifle and a loaded handgun—dangerous weapons that could have posed a serious threat to community safety had they remained on the streets. This successful arrest exemplifies the daily risks officers like Bucholz take to ensure public safety and highlights the importance of proactive policing in removing dangerous elements from our communities.

The ceremony also recognized other exceptional officers serving Manhattan’s diverse neighborhoods. Jennifer Paolino from the 6th Precinct, Christian Orellana from the 10th Precinct, and Michael Dejesus from the 13th Precinct were similarly honored as “Officers of the Year” for their respective districts. These recognitions underscore the NYPD’s commitment to celebrating excellence within its ranks and acknowledging those who go beyond the call of duty to protect New York’s residents and visitors. Such awards not only boost officer morale but also strengthen community-police relations by highlighting the positive impact dedicated officers have on the neighborhoods they serve.

For Bucholz, becoming an NYPD officer was a childhood dream that materialized into a fulfilling career. Growing up on Long Island, he always envisioned himself serving with New York’s Finest, a goal he has now achieved with distinction. Throughout his nine-year career, Bucholz has remained dedicated to Midtown South, developing a deep understanding of the community’s unique challenges and building strong relationships with local residents and businesses. This consistency in assignment has allowed him to become intimately familiar with the precinct’s needs and dynamics, contributing significantly to his effectiveness as an officer. His unwavering commitment to the same community throughout his career reflects a genuine dedication to public service and community-oriented policing.

The ceremony was particularly special as it marked one of Bucholz’s first major professional achievements since becoming a father. With his wife Meghan and their infant daughter Scarlett in attendance, the event represented a beautiful intersection of his personal and professional lives. Becoming a parent often provides a new perspective on one’s career and life goals, and for Bucholz, it has apparently reinforced his commitment to making the city safer while also inspiring him to set new professional targets. The presence of his young family underscores the reality that police officers are not just law enforcement professionals but also parents, spouses, and community members with deep personal investments in the safety and well-being of the neighborhoods they serve.

Looking toward the future, Bucholz has set his sights on advancing his career within the NYPD. “I would like to strive to be a detective one day,” he shared, revealing aspirations beyond his current role. This career goal reflects his desire for continued growth and greater responsibility in solving crimes and serving justice. As a new father, these professional aspirations take on added significance—they represent not only his commitment to public service but also his dedication to creating a safer city for his daughter to grow up in. Officer Bucholz’s story embodies the ideal of the modern police officer: professionally dedicated, community-focused, and personally invested in the well-being of the city and its residents. His recognition as “Officer of the Year” stands as well-deserved acknowledgment of his contributions to New York City’s safety and security.