The Garner Police Department commemorated National Police Week last week during an awards banquet hosted by the Garner Optimist Club. During this banquet Mayor Ronnie Williams issued a proclamation to observe May 9-15, 2010 as National Police Week.

In 2009, 126 law enforcement officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty, with seven of those officers serving in North Carolina. So far in 2010, that number has reached 61. In an effort to recognize law enforcement officers for their service, a law was passed in 1962 designating May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. United States flags were displayed at half-mast on May 15 at all government buildings in honor of those men and women in law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We pause during this week to remember those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe across the nation.

The guest speaker for the banquet was N.C. State House Representative Deborah Ross, who spoke about core values in law enforcement. She highlighted Garner Police's core values of commitment, integrity and professionalism.

Representative Ross complimented the members of the Garner Police Department on these values and their importance in partnering with our community for problem solving and making Garner a desirable place to live and work.

Chief Brandon Zuidema presented citizen commendations to several people and organizations for their donations to our Explorer Post's annual Christmas "Shop with a Cop." The generosity and support of these groups and individuals make this annual event possible:

• Mrs. Barbara Jean Bailey, a school counselor at North Garner Middle School who works closely with our staff to identify families who can participate.

• Mr. Jon Fulghum and Jersey Mike's Subs for their donation of food for the reception.

• Mr. Coley Sullivan and Papa John's Pizza for their donation of food for the reception.

• Mr. Ronnie Thompson and Mr. Scott Thompson of TT&E for their cash donation funding the shopping trips.

Chief Zuidema also awarded a Department Certificate of Merit to Investigators David Casteline, Scott Klein and Scott Selvek for their work in investigating a $1 million counterfeit merchandise operation in Garner and Raleigh. This investigation involved several federal agencies in addition to the local ones, and five handguns were seized in addition to the counterfeit merchandise.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the "Rob Apple Officer of the Year Award." This award is given to a member of the Garner Police Department who is nominated by peers for his/her work during the previous year. This year there were nine nominees, of which three were selected as finalists. The three finalists were Investigator Scott Klein, K-9 Officer Sonny Roberson, and K-9 Officer David Taylor. Other department members receiving nominations were Sergeant Chris Adams, Investigator David Caste-line, Investigator Gordon Gay, Officer Randy Smith, Sergeant Sophia Sandlin, and Investigator Scott Selvek.

The three finalists were voted on by their peers and Investigator Scott Klein was selected and awarded the "Rob Apple Officer of the Year Award." Investigator Klein was praised for his work as a narcotics investigator and the assistance he provides to other members of the agency. As mentioned in his nomination, Investigator Klein is never too busy to help other officers and always does so with a cheerful attitude. He is knowledgeable and willingly shares his expertise with other officers.

The members of the Garner Police Department would like to extend its appreciation to the Garner Optimist Club for hosting our annual awards banquet.