Wooster Police Officers Honored for Life-Saving Actions

The Wooster Police Department presented departmental honors to two officers for life-saving actions in separate incidents.

Patrolman Thomas Sereika received the Life Saving Award for his response to a suicide attempt on New Year's Day 2026. Sereika located a distraught person and approached with a calm demeanor, using distraction techniques to move within reach before pulling the individual to safety. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Patrolman Connor Orr received the Award of Honor for his actions during a traffic stop on April 2, 2025. A suspect exited his vehicle and fired twice at Orr's cruiser windshield while Orr sat inside. Orr radioed dispatch, exited his vehicle, returned fire and struck the attacker. He pursued the suspect despite his cruiser becoming disabled.

Orr also won the 2025 Officer of the Year Award. He led the department with 387 traffic stops, 137 arrests and 228 incident reports. He also serves as safety chairman for the local Boys and Girls Club.

The Ohio House of Representatives presented both officers with special recognition through State Representative Meredith Craig.