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The largest union representing New York City police officers has awarded its Man of the Year honor to an outspoken conservative sheriff from Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, known for his criticisms of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as President Obama, was named Man of the Year by the New York Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

Association President Patrick Lynch said Sheriff Clarke’s unflinching support of law enforcement during a time when many are critical of or second-guessing the work of police officers made him a prime choice for the honor, the Washington Times reports.

“Sheriff Clarke is a passionate and vocal defender of police officers, at a time when our job is more difficult and dangerous than ever before,” Mr. Lynch said. “That is exactly what the PBA does for New York City police officers, so it has been encouraging to hear Sheriff Clarke make the same case on a national stage. We should be hearing that type of support from elected leaders in both parties and at all levels of government.”