This post was written by Hatchet reporter Benjamin Kershner

A 30-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department who now patrols the Foggy Bottom area was named D.C. commander of the year Thursday.

Commander Michael Reese was praised for his leadership of the Second District area, which includes Foggy Bottom, in a packed auditorium of about 750 people at Gallaudet University.

Metropolitan Police chief Cathy Lanier said the area is “highly performing and highly functioning” under his command, citing increased arrests and positive reviews from neighbors and other members of the department.

“He uses strategic tactics to address crime, disorder and traffic issues. He also leads by example by walking foot-beats with his troops, attends roll calls and promotes networking and training for his members,” Lanier said of Reese.

Two other District 2 police officers earned best of the year titles.

Robert Fennell was named officer of the year and Thomas Rosenborg was named detective of the year – honors that are given to one person of each rank from MPD’s seven districts.

Crime numbers in Foggy Bottom are down about 50 percent year compared to last year. Ten thefts have been reported this year, compared to 21 at this point in 2013, according to crime numbers presented by an MPD officer at last month’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting.

Officers from the Second District regularly patrol the neighborhood and speak at monthly neighborhood meetings to give crime updates and answer neighbor questions.