People are aware of the duties they see performed by police officers.

It’s the ones they can’t see, however, that are often the most significant.

Upland Police Investigator Steven Jackson was applauded during the borough council meeting, Jan. 10, for his efforts in three recent cases. In each instance, his endeavors resulted in the arrest of those involved and he was presented with the Upland Borough Exceptional Service Award by Chief of Police John Easton and Mayor Michael Ciach.

A letter from Easton outlined the incidents. Jackson was assigned to investigate a burglary-rape-robbery and robbery-homicide, major, forcible felonies which occurred in the borough within a month’s time this spring. He collected the evidence, conducted the necessary interviews, identified the perpetrators and arrested the criminals responsible for committing the heinous crimes.

“Investigator Jackson attacked these investigations, as he refused to stop, he refused to go home and he refused to rest,” according to the letter read by Ciach. “He went above and beyond the requirements in order to protect and serve our borough.”

Jackson was also the lead investigator in a third incident in which a man was beaten, stabbed, dragged from a house and left to die in a nearby driveway. Similar to the other situations, he worked the crime scene, collected DNA and fingerprints and completed interviews. His actions resulted in the arrest of two additional criminals, both of whom are in Delaware County Prison, with high bail and awaiting trial.

“Jackson was in Philadelphia on a date when he took the phone call from me,” wrote Easton. “He deposited his girlfriend and drove directly to Upland.”

Easton and Ciach have recommended Jackson for a promotion to the position of Detective.

“We recognize him for an incredibly outstanding display of perseverance, professionalism and tremendous concern for the wellbeing of our community,” said the letter. “Thank you, Steve, for a job well done.”