Two Columbus police officers were recognized for outstanding service during the annual Region C Criminal Justice Advisory Committee awards banquet on April 26, 2011.
The Region C Committee is made up of all state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies from Polk, Rutherford, McDowell and Cleveland counties. Region C law enforcement officials meet monthly to discuss and plan law enforcement operations and hold a yearly banquet to recognize outstanding officers from the region in various categories.
Columbus Sergeant Nicholas Stott was selected as uniform patrol officer of the year for 2010. Stott was selected based on his outstanding enforcement numbers. His DWI enforcement is unparalleled in the Region C jurisdiction; he recorded 49 DWI arrests for the year. Stott was also awarded the Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers HERO award for his DWI enforcement in 2010.
Stott issued 405 citations for 547 different charges during the year. He had 18 felony arrests and 90 misdemeanor arrests for the year. These enforcement actions occurred while usually working as a single officer in a jurisdiction of 1,000 people and 1.8 square miles. Stott was also responsible for security checks and calls for service during his shift as well.
Retired chief and current reserve police officer Butch Kennedy was also recognized. Kennedy was selected as law enforcement executive of the year for 2010 for outstanding work and leadership in transforming the Columbus Police Department into a professional, highly trained and well-equipped law enforcement agency.
Kennedy quickly worked to hire a staff of veteran, trained and educated officers. The department had more than 120 years total experience at one point, and averaged 20 years of experience per full-time officer.
The department also had three officers with bachelor degrees and multiple officers with criminal justice certifications.
Kennedy redesigned the department’s uniforms and patches for a more professional appearance. He updated the vehicle fleet with modern police vehicles and changed the color scheme and stripe package for a safer and more professional appearance.
During his tenure, he utilized grant funding to purchase new bullet-proof vests, speed enforcement equipment and impaired driving detection equipment.
Under Kennedy’s direction the department moved its operation from the basement of the town hall to a newly renovated building, allowing officers to operate at a higher level.
Columbus officials said the town is extremely proud of these officers and congratulates them on jobs well done.
Columbus Police Department officials said the department strives to operate at a higher standard and continues to promote professionalism and integrity.