SEVEN OFFICERS AWARDED AT EXCHANGE CLUB LUNCHEON
Seven awarded "2022 Officer of the Year"
ALBANY, GA– On Friday, the Albany Exchange Club upheld one of their core values, patriotism, by hosting a law enforcement appreciation luncheon.
During the event, seven law enforcement officers were awarded “2022 Officer of the Year” for their office or department, all of which were nominated by the Chief of their agency.
Members of the club and law enforcement agencies also took the time to remember and honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2021 (8), 2022 (6) and most recent officers in 2023.
Albany Police Chief Michael Persley introduces Sgt. Jones and Cpl. Summerling before receiving their awards
Sgt. Darryl Jones, who has served the Albany Police Department for 20 years and is a former APD officer of the year award recipient, says he is extremely appreciative of the recognition.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognized by the exchange club fairgrounds also to know there are people out there who still appreciate what law enforcement does” says Jones. “I do what I do because helping people who can’t help themselves, or people who just need help, often appreciate what you do, even though there are people that don’t, we always appreciate those type of people.”
SFC. Thomas Glass of the Lee County Sheriff’s office, expresses the same gratitude.
“It’s a really good feeling. You know, the job sometimes can be difficult but at the end of the day we don’t do it for the recognition we do it for the community. But it is nice to have these awards every once in a while, it feels good.”
Glass also believes members of law enforcement are often misunderstood and wants members of the community to know not all cops are bad.
“Every cop is different, but with all the guys that I have worked with and have experience working with, they’re all great guys. I encourage everyone to not judge us before speaking with us” Glass says.
SFC. Glass delivering his award acceptant speech
Sgt. Jones’ message to the community is:
“Even though the job is challenging, it’s something we love to do. I want the community to know we are working hard for them. It might not be as fast as they want us to work, but we want them to know we are working hard for them and we’re working too make sure they’re safe day in and day out” Jones says.
Albany Exchange Club 2022 Officer of the Year Award recipients:
Cpl. Javan Summerling: Albany Police Department
Sgt. Darryl Jones: Albany Police Department
SFC. Thomas Glass: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Cpl. Dean Gibson: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
TFC. Keith Oliver: Georgia State Patrol
Officer Charlotte Bunn: Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office
Ptl. Ke’rinton Girdner: Dougherty County Police Department
