Sgt. Richard Blake, a 23-year veteran of the Bethlehem Township police department, is Northampton County's top cop of 2014. He was recently honored by the Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association with the annual Nathan Ogden award, which honors a police officer who distinguishes himself and his profession.

This award's namesake, Nathan Ogden, was a Northampton County deputy sheriff. In 1771, he was killed while attempting to execute an arrest warrant. He is the first known law enforcement officer to make the ultimate sacrifice for his community in the United States. In the centuries since, nearly 22,000 law enforcement officials have followed Ogden's sacrifice in the line of duty.

The Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association started this annual award in 2002. Since that time, Bethlehem Township police officers have been recognized four times, more than any other department in the County.

Chief Dan Pancoast told commissioners at their Sept. 15 meeting that this honor was conferred on Sgt. Blake because of his work in several cases.

When a mentally distraught and suicidal man had doused himself with gasoline, Sgt. Blake risked his life by climbing into a car with a man, who was one lit match away from ending his life. When the statute of limitations was ready to expire on a brutal sexual assault, Sgt. Blake was able to develop information that led to the arrest of two assailants. In addition, Chief Pancoast detailed Sgt. Blake's work in breaking up prostitution rings and meth labs.

After the award was announced, Sgt. Blake received a standing ovation from those assembled.