PBPD officer honored at National Night Out festivities

For a second year, a Poplar Bluff police patrolman was honored at the National Night Out. Events were held Tuesday at the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority.

Patrolman Zachary Tubb was named the Regional Peace Officer of the Year for a seven-state region, which includes Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The award is given by the Regional National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials.

Last year, Tubb received the Missouri Peace Officer of the Year Award, the regional award. Tubb’s nomination was presented during the group’s meeting June 30 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“I’m extremely honored and grateful,” said Tubb, who has served on the Poplar Bluff police force since 2015.

Tubb reflects on the awards and the community by saying the people “make it easy to do my job. They are appreciative of the service we provide.”

The police officers “work together as a team and this is the only way we can accomplish anything,” Tubb said.

Hundreds attended the event to see one of their favorite officers honored and enjoy an evening of games and food provided by the Bread Shed.

Tammy Harper with the housing authority said, “It was a spectacular evening with approximately 300-350 in attendance. Every year keeps getting better. It was definitely a fun evening for everyone.”

Harper said, “Our local heroes showed up and cooled off in the Dunk Tank. Poplar Bluff Fire Department Battalion Chief Stacy Harmon and Austin Armes, plus PBPD Officer Kristopher Rinehart couldn’t resist an opportunity to cool off. We are so thankful for the overwhelming amount of community supporters this year.

“We were able to give away nine bikes this year thanks to First Midwest Bank, Morse, Harwell and Jiles Insurance, Mid Continent Nail and the Bank of Missouri, which we are extremely grateful for, plus numerous door prizes were donated by local businesses.”

The community-wide event included games and activities for children and adults and food, along with visits from the local law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders.

Youth enjoyed taking their turns at dunking members of the fire department. Also at the event were members of the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Butler County Sheriff’s Department and Butler County EMS.

Booths providing informational materials and varies handouts were from Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland, Northside Nutrition Center, Girl Scouts, Wappapello Lake personnel, Butler County Community Resource Council, Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department and South Central Community Action Agency.