Officer Ben Galetto

HANCOCK — City of Hancock Police Officer Ben Galetto has been named Police Officer of the Year. According to a press release from the City of Hancock, on Jan. 30 Galetto was honored as the 2025 Police Officer of the Year for Houghton and Keweenaw Counties during the Copper Country Pigs-N-Heat fundraiser hockey game at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

Galetto joined the City of Hancock Police Department in January 2024 after graduating from the Oakland Community College Police Academy, where he earned the prestigious Top Gun Award. Since joining the department, the release states, Galetto has consistently demonstrated exceptional initiative, professionalism, and dedication to service.

“Officer Galetto takes on responsibilities well beyond expectations,” said Hancock Police Chief Tami Sleeman. “He works every case thoroughly, prepares detailed and well-articulated search warrants, and is recognized for writing clear, comprehensive, and well-documented reports.”

Last July, Galetto received a Life Saving Award for his swift and decisive actions during a medical emergency involving a City of Hancock resident who was unresponsive and not breathing. Galetto immediately initiated CPR, successfully restoring the individual’s vital signs and saving their life.

Galetto has developed strong working relationships with local and state law enforcement agencies and maintains a productive partnership with the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), further strengthening inter-agency cooperation. He has also earned the role of Field Training Officer (FTO), where he mentors and guides new officers entering the department.

Highly motivated and committed to professional growth, the release states, he actively seeks out additional training opportunities and spends his off-duty time studying law to enhance his effectiveness as an officer. His professionalism and dedication have been recognized through multiple letters of appreciation from

community members. In addition to his service with the City of Hancock Police Department Galetto serves in the National Guard Reserves and the City of Hancock Fire Department, demonstrating “an unwavering commitment to service at both the local and national levels.”

The press release concludes, “The City of Hancock congratulates Officer Ben Galetto on receiving the 2025 Police Officer of the Year award. Officer Galetto’s work ethic, lifesaving actions, community impact, and commitment to excellence exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty.