Schuylkill County deputy sheriff receives FOP Officer of the Year Award

May 18—FRACKVILLE — Schuylkill County Chief Deputy Sheriff Brian Tobin is the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25 Officer of the Year for 2020.

The award was presented as part of a ceremony Wednesday honoring fallen lodge members and police officers throughout the United States as part of Police Week 2021, said lodge President Matthew Dillman, a retired Mount Carmel police officer.

Dillman said Tobin's dedication to duty did not begin with the Fraternal Order of Police but instead at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1982, in the U.S. Army, and continues to this day.

Tobin had the opportunity to pass along his knowledge and goodwill to many soldiers, including those in the Lithuanian Army, he opened his home to those soldiers and created new friendships.

"Not only does Brian serve as a role model and mentor for his fellow colleagues and peers, but he displays enthusiasm and stays positive while performing his duties," Dillman said.

After retiring from the Army, Tobin began serving residents of the 125th Legislative District as chief of staff, maintaining five offices and overseeing constituent services. His communication skills helped him secure grants for those in need in the district, Dillman said.

After his service to the Legislature, Tobin felt the need to serve again, this time as chief deputy sheriff of Schuylkill County.

Dillman said Tobin was elected a trustee of the lodge several years ago and was reelected each term since.

"When asked to fulfill a lodge duty, Brian has completed that task above and beyond what was expected," Dillman said.

Tobin is also active in the National Sheriffs' Association, the Free and Accepted Masons and his political party.

"We are inspired by your work ethic, motivated by your fearless attitude and humbled by your loyalty," Dillman said. "Your selfless dedication and tireless efforts for the past 39 years have touched and changed countless people."

In accepting the award, Tobin said that he has no regrets about the path of life he chose in serving others, and said being a member of the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Office is one of the best jobs he's had.

"It makes going into work fun," he said.

Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph R. Groody thanked Tobin for his work for the sheriff's office and beyond.

"He's the best of the best, Groody said.

Dillman said Officer of the Year is the lodge's most prestigious award.

Lodge 25 was constituted 85 years ago and consists of active and retired law enforcement officers from multiple counties. Its purpose is to improve the working conditions of law enforcement and the safety of those they serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement and representation.

Serving as executive board members for 2021 are Dillman, president; Richard Wilson, retired Kulpmont police chief, vice president; Shawn Butler, Butler Township police, recording secretary; Joshua Pastucka, Shamokin police, financial secretary; and, Christopher Hand, Frackville police, associate secretary.

Officers for 2021 are David Stamets, Shenandoah police, conductor; Robert Belfanti, Pennsylvania State Board of Probation and Parole, guard; Groody, chaplain; Tobin, trustee; David Sage, Coal Township police, trustee; and Raymond Walacavage, retired from Ashland police, trustee.