Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden accepted the 2024 Innovation of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Sheriff’s Association, for the work of the Dukes County Sheriff’s special operations unit.

The ceremony was held at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Nov. 19, 2024.

The Dukes County Sheriff’s office special operations unit is responsible for inner perimeter security, investigating drug and gang-related activity, tactical operations, emergency management and operating the mobile command unit, a state-of-the-art communications post for emergency situations.

In 2024, the special operations unit launched its unmanned aerial systems unit, bureau of criminal investigations and mobile transport unit, enhancing public safety by supporting local agencies.