Officer Gina Kotowski of the Dallas Township Police Department was recently honored with the 2026 Community Involvement Award at the Back Mountain Chamber’s Annual Award Ceremony.

Officer Kotowski was nominated in recognition of the relationships she has built throughout the community and the care she brings to her work each day. Within the department and throughout Dallas Township, she is known as someone who shows up — ready to help, ready to listen, and ready to make a difference.

She has helped organize and participate in food drives, coat drives, and holiday toy drives, worked alongside community partners to support families through programs like Misericordia University’s Bourger Women With Children Program, and regularly takes part in events that bring neighbors and first responders together. From community gatherings like Brushes & Badges to visits with senior residents at The Meadows, she is always looking for ways to connect.

Officer Kotowski is also a familiar face in the Dallas School District, where she enjoys connecting with students and school staff. She also helped bring the Blue Envelope Program to Dallas Township, giving drivers with autism or communication challenges a simple way to share important information with officers during traffic stops.

During the ceremony, Officer Kotowski spoke about the role the community plays in the work officers do every day.

“It’s an honor to put this uniform on and serve this community. The truth is, you can’t do this work alone — it takes the entire community. Many of the people I was nominated alongside are people I call on regularly when something is needed, and this community always steps up. I’d also like to thank our retired Chief, Doug Higgins. He always pushed me to get out into the community and make a difference.”

The Dallas Township Police Department is proud of the work Officer Kotowski does every day and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition.

The department also thanks the Back Mountain Chamber for recognizing individuals who make a meaningful difference in our community and extends congratulations to all of the nominees and award recipients honored at this year’s ceremony.