Tribal Police: The Beny Award

On Wednesday June 22 - The St. Regis Mohawk School held their annual graduation ceremonies and the inaugural Beny Award was given out. This past February we lost our K9 Beny Ward. Beny was a beloved member of the department and the community. He spent a lot of time working and visiting the Mohawk School during his career. In collaboration with the St. Regis Mohawk School principal Alison Benedict, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department created the Beny Award. This award recognizes the two fifth grade students who most represent what Beny stood for: helpfulness, kindness, and hard working. The students were picked by the class and the recipients were Tommie Sunday-Oakes and Wren Bigtree. Chief Matthew Rourke and K9 Sgt. Taylor Smoke, Beny's partner and handler, presented the award. The inscription for the award is as follows:

The Beny Award

Beny Ward was a Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police K9 from 2013-2020. Beny is originally from Slovakia, but he quickly became part of our community. Beny was a brave and courageous, helpful and friendly, and a very determined officer. He was extremely hard working and he enjoyed helping others. Beny will always be remembered for being both fierce at work and loving with friends.

This award is presented to the students who best represent what Beny stood for, and through this award his spirit lives on. We recognize the children he loved to visit and protect. Join us in recognizing the chosen recipients of the Beny Award. Like Beny, we know you are destined to do great things and help many people. Congratulations and best of luck in all you are sure to become. Beny would be proud of you!

We congratulate Tommie and Wren on their award, best of luck and enjoy your summer!