The Mark Brinkman Distinguished Service Award

Recognition of the Exceptional

Every day brave men and women put on their uniform and confront situations that most people will never encounter. Peace Officers are both the first and last line of defense and always society’s critical point of resolution. We are extremely fortunate to have such an incredible corps of public servants willing to protect and serve. In a profession of humble protectors, WACOPS encourages you to nominate your peers for The Mark Brinkman Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious award honors and brings distinction to the officer, the profession, and their department. Recognize a current WACOPS member who has exhibited an exceptional and outstanding performance of duties.

Nomination Requirements

  • Nominees must be a current WACOPS member in good standing.
  • Nominees must have exhibited at least one of the following characteristics above and beyond the normal scope of the profession exhibiting bravery, heroism, or outstanding community service.
  • Single exemplary acts and/or lifetime service will be considered.
  • Submit an online nomination. With your submission please include a detailed description of why your nominee deserves recognition, including the date(s) of their actions, a high resolution head-shot of the nominee (if available) and any supporting documents (i.e. article, letter of commendation).
  • All nominations will be reviewed by the WACOPS Awards & Scholarship Committee and final selection decided by the WACOPS Executive Board.
Award Ceremony
  • The award will be presented at the WACOPS Winter General Membership Meeting
  • The award recipient will receive overnight accommodations paid for by WACOPS, presented with the award, and recognized by their peers
  • The recipient's Chief/Sheriff will be invited to participate in the presentation
  • Local media will be notified of the selected recipient
Nomination Form

About Officer Mark Brinkman

In April of 2021 we suddenly and tragically lost Officer Mark Brinkman. Those that knew Mark found that he radiated a presence that was genuine, honest, and humble. Mark’s life and career in law enforcement was remarkable in many ways – present in the way he impacted the working environment of his colleagues and his contributions to community safety, in addition to his commitment to the place he lived, worshipped, and volunteered. Mark was a beacon of connection. Evident in the way he treated those he loved as well as the citizens he came into contact with, always with dignity and kindness. He was an officer for 35 years, beginning his law enforcement career in the City of Langley, before transferring to the Island County Sheriff’s Office and finally spending his last 25 years with the Lynnwood Police Department.

Need more info? Contact:

Teresa Taylor, Executive Director, [email protected]
Kelsey Jewell, Programs Director, [email protected] 

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Recipients

Officer Jacob Schrader
WA Dept. Fish and Wildlife Police

Detective Ben Miller
King County Sheriff’s Office

Detective Ben Wheeler
King County Sheriff’s Office

Sergeant Dan Dusevoir
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office