The Maryland State Police 2008 “Trooper of the Year” award went to Tfc. Robert B. Rezza, of the Leonardtown Barracks. Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan also awarded the “Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year” for 2008 in a gathering of Maryland State Police in Timonium.
“I congratulate Trooper First Class Rezza and Sgt. DeCourcey for their outstanding accomplishments in 2008 that led to the distinguished honors each has received,” Sheridan said. “These troopers epitomize the actions and attitudes of all the dedicated men and women of the Maryland State Police who serve and protect our citizens every day.”
Rezza, 52, joined the Maryland State Police on July 1, 2002, two days after retiring with the rank of lieutenant following a 23-year career with the Prince George’s County Police Department. Rezza, a former sergeant with the United States Marines, is assigned to road patrol duties within St. Mary’s County. His dedication to duty is evidenced through both his traffic and criminal enforcement.
In 2008, Rezza made 2,061 traffic stops, which were 700 more than the next closest trooper at the barracks. He issued 1,600 citations, 1,061 warnings and 100 safety equipment repair orders. Even with all those traffic stops, his supervisor reports he receives no complaints from citizens.
Rezza made 20 arrests for drunk driving and 88 criminal arrests. He led the Leonardtown Barracks in warrant services in 2008, serving 51 arrest warrants. Understandably, Rezza was acknowledged as the Leonardtown Barracks “Trooper of the Month” six times in 2008.
Rezza’s leadership is evident in many ways. He volunteered to be on the Leonardtown Barrack’s tactical team. He serves as a Field Training Trooper and trained two new troopers in 2008. He regularly agrees to plan and implement special traffic enforcement efforts in St. Mary’s County. He is also on the MSP Pistol Team.
In addition to belonging to several charity campaigns, Rezza also participates in Christmas In April and Shop With A Cop, both programs that provide gifts and services to children and families in need.; He also participates in Project Graduation for St. Mary’s County, which gives high school graduates an opportunity to celebrate in a alcohol and drug free environment.
His supervisor, Sgt. Roger Redmond, said, “Tfc. Rezza is the type of employee and person that one may be lucky enough to encounter once in an entire career. Reliable, dedicated, professional, and relentless are but a few of the adjectives that describe one of the best troopers the Leonardtown Barracks, and quite possibly the Maryland State Police, has seen in some time.”
