An AACC public safety officer won the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce Safety Officer of the Year award in September.

The chamber cited Officer Keith Cochran for performance and dedication to the department.

Supervising officers nominated Cochran for the award.

“I felt fortunate enough to be selected to represent all of the officers and staff on campus,” Cochran said about the award. “I hope to continue my employment in the department, and to continue to provide support.”

The chamber bestows the award annually, and recognizes departments ranging from the Coast Guard to small police departments.

Cochran received a plaque and certificates signed by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, the General Assembly, the Anne Arundel County executive and other elected officials.

Cochran has served at the AACC police department since July 2012 and has won other awards.

Cochran worked for the federal government for 12 years before joining AACC’s Police Department. His former jobs were with intelligence branches and civilian police forces, where he said he enjoyed serving the community and interacting with people in a personal and professional way.

“There are tons of people on this campus that I know day in and day out are working very hard,” Cochran said. “I feel very fortunate I was able to represent our department. Our department, I believe, is the one that is worthy of the recognition.”

Cochran, 45, lives in Pasadena, Maryland, with his wife and children.