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Potsdam Chamber announces former police chief, current chief of SUNY Potsdam police to receive Commitment to Community Award

Posted 10/19/11

POTSDAM – The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce has announced that John Kaplan is the recipient of its 2011 Commitment to the Community Award. The award reflects efforts of individuals, or organizations …

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Potsdam Chamber announces former police chief, current chief of SUNY Potsdam police to receive Commitment to Community Award

Posted

POTSDAM – The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce has announced that John Kaplan is the recipient of its 2011 Commitment to the Community Award.

The award reflects efforts of individuals, or organizations that enhance the quality of life, provide service to fellow citizens or improve the business environment in Potsdam.

Kaplan might be best known for his career with the Potsdam Village Police, including seven years as chief. Now he is chief of the SUNY Potsdam’s University Police.

Beyond his police career, Kaplan has an outstanding record of service to the community.

He has served as a board member or trustee for the Potsdam Public Library, Potsdam Humane Society, St. Lawrence County Arts Council, and the St. Lawrence County Community Service Board.

Kaplan is co-founder of the Potsdam TRIAD , a partnership of the Potsdam Police Department, the St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging, local volunteers, and senior citizens, which assists senior citizens and people with disabilities.

He has volunteered as an instructor of English as a second language, a welfare officer for the Salvation Army, a hospice bereavement counselor, and a volunteer mediator with various courts.

One letter of nomination said, “It seems to me that John Kaplan is exactly the type of person this award was created to recognize…A person who has and continues to put community before self…a person who has the capacity to see a need or activity that would help others, and has the willingness to work toward that goal.”

Kaplan has received numerous other awards over the years, including Leadership Through Service Award, SUNY Potsdam in 2006; two Lifesaving Awards (1991,1995); Silver Star from Northern Federation of Law Enforcement (1988); and the Outstanding Student of the Year, Potsdam College (1982).

Kaplan will receive this latest award at the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Tuesday, Nov. 15 at SUNY Potsdam’s Thatcher Hall Potsdam. The price of the meal is $25. A social mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. with simple appetizers and a cash bar, with buffet-style dinner to follow.

The Potsdam Chamber wants to invite the community to help recognize John Kaplan as the 2011 Commitment to the Community recipient.

To make reservations, or to learn more, call the Chamber at 274-9000 or email potsdam@slic.com.