Ridgefield Police Officer Carlos Olivares has been named the 2021 Officer of the Year award recipient. This award was presented to him by the Ridgefield Exchange Club, at the statewide awards ceremony.  Olivares began his career with the Ridgefield Police Department in 2019. He is a member of the United States Air Force Air National Guard and has been deployed numerous times. Department officials say he is a proactive, enthusiastic officer, who always puts the community before himself. He volunteers his time to participate in PBA events and community policing initiatives.  Olivares has received numerous letters of recognition from the public, for his dedication and commitment to the community.