Butler County Chief Deputy Wes Popp faced an armed and irate suspect in July 2017, with his own life at risk and that of two citizens.
A 13-year veteran of the sheriff's department, Popp applied the necessary level of force to save both those lives and his own, said Don Trout, Poplar Bluff police deputy chief and a member of the Poplar Bluff Elks lodge.
Popp was named Elks Officer of the Year on Friday, during the 31st annual Elks Law and Order Night. More than a dozen members of Butler and Ripley counties' law enforcement were also honored during the event, which was attended by Gov. Eric Greitens and Drew Juden, director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
Popp's drive and determination have not slowed down during his time with the sheriff's department, Trout said in reading a nomination letter. He excelled as a road officer and made numerous drug arrests before being promoted to narcotics investigator in 2013. Since being promoted to chief deputy in 2016, Popp oversees the daily operations of the sheriff's office and fulfills the role of sheriff when needed.
"Chief Deputy Popp epitomizes the concept of putting proper training into action and is always prepared to do the job, no matter what it requires," Trout read.
Individual awards were also given out by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Butler County Prosecutor's Office, Probation and Parole, 36th Judicial Circuit Court, Ripley County Sheriff's Department, Poplar Bluff Police Department and Butler County Sheriff's Department.
MSHP
Radio Operator of the Year Patricia Limbaugh handled two separate officer involved shootings in 2017, organizes the annual Trooper James Bava Toy Drive and exemplifies the core values of the patrol in many ways, said Troop E Capt. Jeff Vitale.
Civilian of the Year Donald Duffey serves as an auto technician III and has an exceptional work ethic, helping other employees and volunteering to help other troops, Vitale said.
Trooper of the Year Sgt. Charles Colbert has been with the patrol since 1996, assigned to the Wayne County area. He has knowledge and experience that are instrumental to Troop E's training program and has been active in many special assignments, including response to Hurricane Katrina.
Vitale also thanked Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley for his efforts in getting Greitens as the speaker for the banquet.
Prosecutor's office
Butler County Assistant Prosecutor Paul Oesterreicher was recognized by Butler County Prosecutor Kevin Barbour.
Oesterreicher has taken on the worst cases and handles them with professionalism, common sense and dedication, Barbour said.
Probation and Parole
The Support Staff of the Year award was given posthumously to Probation and Parole Assistant Stephanie Griffin, who died shortly after leaving her shift in 2017.
Her co-workers and community are better because of her work, said district administrator James Berry.
Probation and Parole Officer of the Year Heather Liszewski volunteers for the most difficult caseloads and has made an indelible impression, he said.
Circuit court
The 36th Judicial Circuit Court recognized administrative assistant Regina Stilwell. Stilwell sacrifices her personal time in order to spend extra time, making sure her work is done efficiently and correctly, said Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett.
Ripley County sheriff
Deputy of the Year Sgt. Jesse Drum started his career in corrections and has advanced to sergeant and then narcotics investigator, now also serving with the SEMO Drug Task Force, said Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton.
Butler County sheriff
Support Staff of the Year Dezra Blume is always positive and does a great job, said Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs.
Communications Officer of the Year Chelsea Loscombe has also done a great job as a supervisor and keeps many items up to date, Dobbs said.
Corrections Officer of the Year Mike Jones has a hard job, and has twice turned down a position as road officer to continue contributing to the corrections department, Dobbs said.
The Donwell Clark Award was given to Sgt. James Lewis, who has worked his way up from reserve deputy, Dobbs said.
PB police
Officer of the Year Det. Andy Cleaveland leaves no stone unturned and gives 100 percent every day, having worked in many aspects of the patrol division, said Trout.
Civilian Employee of the Year Kelly Staggs works in the communication division and is dedicated and highly motivated, he said. She is the voice of "calm" when sending officers into danger, said Trout.
Patrolman Kenny Carpenter received the department's service award for his work as a school resource officer who makes children feel safe and protected, according to Trout.