1 Photo
Officer Michael Arkinson, right, was named the Sag Harbor Police Department's Officer of the Year at a ceremony sponsored by the Southampton Kiwanis Club. Arkinson is pictured with Chief Rob Drake who nominated him for the honor. COURTESY SAG HARBOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sag Harbor Village Police Officer Michael Arkinson was named the department’s Officer of the Year at a ceremony hosted by the Southampton Kiwanis Club on January 31.
Arkinson, who joined the force in March 2024, was nominated by Chief Rob Drake for the honor.
“Although Officer Arkinson was newly hired last year, he has made an immediate impact within the department and the community,” Drake said in announcing the award. “Not only has Officer Arkinson led the department in arrests and summonses, but he has a positive attitude and shown tremendous initiative, always wanting to participate and learn to improve his knowledge and skills to become a more well-rounded police officer.”
Drake cited an incident in June when Arkinson was on duty and received a call for a 25-year-old man who was unconscious and unresponsive.
“Upon his arrival, Officer Arkinson observed the young man suffering from an apparent overdose,” Drake stated. “Officer Arkinson quickly responded and administered Narcan and began rescue breathing. Eventually, the young man began to breathe normally on his own.
“I truly believe that Officer Arkinson’s swift response and actions that night unquestionably had a direct impact on saving this young man’s life.”
Drake noted that Arkinson is also a member of the North Sea Fire Department and an ambulance volunteer.
Stephen J. Kotz on Feb 25, 2025