The Russells Point Village Council met Monday evening for its final meeting of 2025, highlighted by recognitions for outgoing council members, honors for members of the Russells Point Police Department, and the swearing-in of a new police officer.
Board members Dave Wallace and Joan Maxwell were also recognized for their years of service to the village.
Wallace served on the council from 2014 through 2025, while Maxwell served from 2010 through 2025.
Police Chief Joe Freyhof and Mayor John Huffman presented Zac Beltz to the council for approval as the village’s newest police officer.
Beltz was hired by a unanimous vote and was sworn in immediately following council approval.
He is a 2020 graduate of the Apollo Police Academy and has previously served the Ansonia, Spencerville, and Port Jefferson communities.
Beltz will serve a six-month probationary period with the department.
Later in the meeting, Sergeant Morgan Styles presented Officer Westly McVety with an Award of Excellence, recognizing his performance and growth as a rookie officer.
Styles praised McVety’s strong start with the department, noting his professionalism, work ethic, and readiness during the Field Training Officer (FTO) program.
McVety completed several weeks of day-shift training before transitioning to night shift, where he faced more complex situations, including impaired driving investigations, drug-related cases, and arrests.
Styles highlighted an early night-shift incident involving a large fight scene, where McVety demonstrated command presence while assisting with crowd control and arrests.
Since that time, Styles said McVety has consistently shown dedication, a willingness to learn, and initiative in pursuing cases that impact community safety.
McVety was ultimately honored with the department’s version of the Rookie of the Year Award.
Additionally, Chief Freyhof presented Sergeant Morgan Styles with a Meritorious Conduct Commendation in recognition of his exceptional service, professionalism, and dedication to the Village of Russells Point.
According to the commendation, the award is presented to officers who demonstrate consistently outstanding performance and initiative beyond normal expectations, resulting in measurable benefits to both the community and the department.
Since joining the department in February 2022 and being promoted to sergeant in May 2024, Styles has averaged more than 200 calls for service per month, ranging from officer-initiated activity to complex investigations.
Chief Freyhof also highlighted Styles’ commitment to professional development, including completion of the Field Training Officer Program through OPOTA and the Supervisor Training and Education Program.
His proactive enforcement efforts were credited with having a positive impact on community safety.
The commendation concluded by noting that through his dedication, integrity, and consistent excellence, Sergeant Styles exemplifies the values of the Russells Point Police Department.
The meeting concluded with holiday well wishes and a thank you to Maxwell and Wallace for their service.
