Chief Inspector Sami Hätönen from the Finnish Police University College received the Officer of the Year award. The selection committee announced the honor during a ceremony in Helsinki on Wednesday.
This year's award emphasized inter-agency cooperation. Hätönen brings nearly 28 years of diverse police experience to the role. He has worked in surveillance and emergency response units across multiple police departments.
The selection committee specifically highlighted his work integrating drone technology into police operations. Hätönen currently leads surveillance and emergency response training at the Police University College.
In his acceptance speech, Hätösen stressed the importance of collaborative work. He cited his early promotion to commissioner before age 30 as a key career milestone.
The Officer of the Year award is now in its 50th year. A partnership between Helsinki Junior Chamber, the Finnish Police Union, and the National Police Board selects the recipient annually.
Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskimäki described the award as a strong institution. He noted the selection criteria have evolved from recognizing individual bravery to acknowledging broader professional contributions.
The award aims to highlight exemplary police officers who advance their field. Hätösen's work with drone technology represents exactly the type of innovation the award now recognizes alongside traditional police work.
This shift in criteria reflects how modern policing requires both operational excellence and technological adaptation. The recognition of drone expertise shows Finnish police are actively integrating new tools into their crime prevention strategies.