American Legion names Officer of the Year

The Chowchilla American Legion Post 148 named its first Officer of the Year last Saturday night. Commander John Kirwin presented the award to Lieutenant Dave Riviere of the Chowchilla Police Department.

The American Legion Officer of the Year Award is given to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of his or her position and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement.

Riviere has been employed in the field of law enforcement since 1993, when he started his career as a reserve officer with the Chowchilla Police Department. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and lieutenant in 2012. Riviere holds a supervisor certificate from California POST and is currently completing his bachelor’s degree at Ashford University.

Riviere has a wide variety of law enforcement experience. Before coming to Chowchilla, he worked for the Madera Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. He also has worked for the Merced Police Department as a patrol officer. During his time with the Chowchilla PD, Riviere has worked as a patrol officer and school resource officer. He was assigned to the gang unit and was the investigations sergeant. In 1999, he was honored as the department’s Officer of the Year.

“Lt. Riviere’s drive to model what a good proactive law enforcement officer should be and do, combined with his work and leadership as the department’s second in command, is why he was selected for officer of the year,” Kirwin said. “He continually pushes the staff to achieve more than what they believe they are capable of.”

Last year Riviere served as acting chief of police while Chief Jay Varney attended the FBI National Academy.

Kirwin noted that Riviere also serves the nation as a member of the Air Force Reserve as a sergeant in the 144th Fighter Wing stationed in Fresno.

This story was originally published September 25, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "American Legion names Officer of the Year."