Brian N. Kosko, a Salem resident and police officer for the Roanoke City Police Department, received the Outstanding Commendation Award from the American Police Hall of Fame on May 29, 2012, for his work as the lead Crime Scene Investigator on the Aveion Lewis case (the Roanoke Times has more on that story here). His work also earned him a letter of congratulations from Senator Mark Warner and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Morgan Griffith.

Kosko graduated from the Virginia Forensic Science Academy in November 2011 and was certified by the International Association for Identification as a crime scene analyst in May 2012–Kosko is one of fewer than 50 certified crime scene analysts in Virginia. Currently full time with Liberty University, he’s set to graduate in December 2013 with a degree in criminal justice, focusing in forensic science, according to wife Angela Kosko.

“Brian has a supportive family behind him,” said Angela, a longtime Salemite. “He’s always been about helping others…He would do anything.”

Son Cody McGlothlin, 11, has expressed interest in law enforcement when he grows up, according to Angela. Brian is also dad to five-year-old daughter Alyssa Kosko. (See Cody and Alyssa prepare for their first day of school here.)

Brian is the son of Vick and Linda Sisson of Botetourt, and grandson to Carlene “Granny” Bowman, also of Botetourt. Angela’s parents are Price and Diane Richardson, also longtime Salemites.