Rookie Cop Honored As 'Officer Of The Year' Months After Arresting Justin Timberlake

The Long Island police officer who arrested pop star Justin Timberlake has been awarded the prestigious "Officer of the Year" award for his outstanding service and dedication to duty.

Officer Michael Atkinson made headlines last June when he pulled Timberlake over for driving while drunk in the Long Island town of Sag Harbor.

Days before he arrested Justin Timberlake, Michael Atkinson reportedly saved an overdosed local's life by administering Narcan to them.

The rookie cop who arrested Timberlake in the Hamptons was honored for making an "immediate impact" during his first year on the job.

According to Sag Harbor Express, Officer Michael Atkinson was named the Sag Harbor Village Police Department's "Officer of the Year" during a ceremony on January 31.

"Although Officer Arkinson was newly hired last year, he has made an immediate impact within the department and the community," Chief Rob Drake said.

Drake continued, "He has a positive attitude and has shown tremendous initiative, always wanting to participate and learn to improve his knowledge and skills to become a more well-rounded police officer."

The rookie gained notoriety when he pulled Timberlake over in the Hamptons after the singer swerved lanes and blew through a stop sign in his BMW SUV.

In his criminal complaint, he noted that the singer "appeared intoxicated" with "bloodshot and glassy" eyes and was "unable to follow instructions correctly" during his field sobriety test.

Timberlake was subsequently charged with Driving While Intoxicated but was dropped when he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).

He later entered a plea deal and was ordered to complete 25 hours of community service, make a public statement, and pay a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge.

Atkinson's heroics not only include Timberlake's traffic stop but also saving the lives of locals. According to Page Six, he saved a local's life days before he arrested the global pop star.

A source told the news outlet that Atkinson administered Narcan to save the local who was overdosing.

"This is a young officer who's done an excellent job…. a week prior [to the Timberlake bust], he had actually saved a 25-year-old from an overdose. He had given him Narcan," the Hampton's insider said at the time.

Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

It works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain and restoring breathing. It is often administered via injection or nasal spray and can be given by anyone, including non-medical personnel.

Following his studious attention to detail and dedication to duty, Atkinson has reportedly developed a strict reputation among locals, who have now labeled him as the "Sag Harbor Nazi," per the New York Post.

At the time after he arrested Timberlake, a source told Page Six that he "was so young that he didn't even know" who Timberlake was during the early morning traffic stop.

The "Mirrors" singer was in the middle of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour at the time of the arrest, with a source telling the news outlet that Timberlake told Atkinson the arrest was "going to ruin the tour."

"The cop replied, 'What tour?' Justin said, 'The world tour,'" the source added, highlighting how Atkinson had no idea who he was arresting.

The "Friends With Benefits" actor has had to endure a rough patch since his run-in with the law.

He recently came under fire from fans after canceling his US tour in Columbus, Ohio, at the last minute, saying he was sick.

His Forget Tomorrow world tour has also been riddled with issues, including an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction and low ticket sales.

Fans have also slammed him for performing too many songs from his latest album instead of fan favorites. He was said to be "embarrassed" at a show for asking fans to sing along, only to realize they didn't know the songs.

An insider close to Timberlake's camp has since told the Daily Mail that the singer "understands why people are upset with him for canceling some of his shows or disappointed in his concerts for not having enough of his old music."

"He made a decision on what his tour was going to be all about, and he stuck with it," the source noted. "He loves his recent album and loves performing it."

However, the response to the album "made him realize what needs to be next, and that's an NSYNC reunion."