HSI special agent named officer of the year by Ohio state prosecutor

CLEVELAND — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Brett Bangas was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in a March 31 ceremony by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the county’s highest honor.

Bangas, who has been with HSI for 13 years, was honored for his efforts in February 2017, which led to the arrest of the suspected driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that tragically claimed the life a Cleveland Police officer.

Within minutes of the crash, a witness description of the vehicle was disseminated to area law enforcement and news outlets. Bangas, relying on quick instincts and prior service with Lorrain, Ohio, police, immediately narrowed down a few areas in Lorain that might be ideal for someone attempting to evade law enforcement. Authorities arrested the suspect without incident at a residence Bangas identified.

Bangas was humbled by the award and said he was proud that the family of the fallen officer now has a chance at justice.