BIG FLATS, NY (607NewsNow) — A Chemung County investigator is an award recipient. 

State Sen. Tom O’Mara presented Michael Theetge with a Senate Commendation Award on Wednesday, March 25. It’s one of the Senate’s highest honors.

“We are honored to have this opportunity to honor and recognize Investigator Theetge for his ongoing, strong commitment to law enforcement and public safety, his courage, and the enormous sacrifices he has made in the line of duty protecting our community,” O’Mara said. “It has been a long and hard road of recovery, yet he remains committed to the vital work of law enforcement, mentoring young officers, and the critical mission of public safety and security. His perseverance and strength are inspiring. He continues to earn our respect and the widespread support of the local community, and the men and women in blue locally, statewide, and across the nation.”

Two years ago, Theetge was badly injured in Big Flats while pursuing two suspects from Ithaca. Fatiuna Massaline and Dominick Haley were both convicted and sentenced to prison terms.

In Dec. 2025, Theetge was presented with the Order of the Blue Heart Award from the group Wounded Blue.