A high bar was set by Chief Danny Whiteley, who retired in 2022 from the Poplar Bluff Police Department after 22 years of service.
His dedication was honored Saturday during the annual Elks Law Enforcement Banquet with the creation of the Danny H. Whiteley Dedicated Service Award.
Its first recipient is Lt. Joe Ward, said current Chief Mike McClain, who also announced Patrolman Josh Woodrum as the Officer of the Year.
“This newly formed award will hereby be presented annually to individuals who display unwavering dedication, a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and mostly; have a heartfelt desire to ensure the future success of the Poplar Bluff Police Department by being a positive role model and a mentor to their co-workers,” McClain told the law enforcement agencies gathered for the event. “The individual receiving this award has displayed these characteristics throughout his career with our department. He is a great asset to our agency, our officers, our staff, and to the community.”
Ward has been with the police department since 1993. He was selected for the award by McClain and the administrative staff.
The department’s administrative staff also helped select Woodrum, who has been with the department since 2021.
Each division nominated an individual and provided supporting information, McClain said, which was reviewed by the command staff, who this year voted on the selection.
“This year’s winner received a unanimous vote from the command staff. In my opinion, that speaks volumes,” said McClain.
Comments from the supervisors included, “Commitment to police work and teamwork. Maintains a positive attitude. Has a drive for proactive policing (and) willingness to perform assignments.”
“This Officer of the Year tossed out some impressive stats last year too. A few of those were; 278 written reports, 143 physical arrests, 126 summonses and 362 traffic warnings,” McClain said. “On behalf of the command staff and myself, I would like to congratulate this year’s Poplar Bluff Police Department Officer of the Year.”
McClain also shared how much has changed for the department in the past six months.
It has included the move into and start up of a new facility, eight promotions, one reassignment, a new chief and a new deputy chief.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved for their patience and professionalism during this transition,” McClain said.