‘Best Of The Best’: Jamestown Police Department, retired deputy honored by American Legion

The Jamestown Police Department has been honored as the Department of New York American Legion Police Department of the Year.

The state honor came after the JPD was named the Chautauqua County American Legion Police Department of the Year as well as the Eighth District Police Department of the Year. Scott Forster, Jamestown police chief, and Adam McKinley, deputy chief, recently accepted the award from the Department of New York American Legion, recognizing the department's service to the City of Jamestown, citizen and community involvement, and the volunteering endeavors to help their community.

"Congratulations to the Jamestown Police Department for this award," Mayor Kim Ecklund said in a Facebook post. "Appreciate you all – best of the best."

Jason Beichner, a retired Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputy, had won the Department of New York Law Enforcement of the Year in 2025, an honor that was forwarded to the National American Legion for consideration. Beichner was awarded the national Northeast Region Law Enforcement of the Year for his service to the community of Chautauqua County. Beichner’s family were present at the ceremony of the national award.

His long unselfish dedication to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office was identified as was his K-9 Service having used his partner to find a lost hunter in the thick woods of Western New York. It was stated that had Beichner and his dog Drago not found the hunter, he most likely would have perished in the elements. Due to scheduling conflicts Beichner was unable to receive his District and State awards this past year.

Both the Jamestown Police Department and Beichner were presented a Citation from Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, and a Certificate of Recognition from state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay.

Nominations for the Jamestown Police Department and Beichner were started through the Samuel L. Derby Post 556 in Frewsburg.

"The American Legion not only works to support and represent our veterans, but the communities we live in," the American Legion said in a statement. "One of many ways we do this is to recognize our local heroes that support our communities. If you know of a local EMT, firefighter, law enforcement officer, EMS squad, fire department or law enforcement department that should be considered for recognition, contact an American Legion Post. They can work with you to nominate them."