By BOB GIBBINS
Law enforcement is more often than not one of those thankless jobs that men and women enter because they want to help people.
The Tahlequah Elks Lodge members have taken it upon themselves for several years to annually honor a select number of local officers to remind them that some do appreciate the job they do. This year, eight officers were honored at the lodge’s annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet.
Police Chief Clay Mahaney was the first to the podium to announce Sgt. Randy Tanner as the TPD Officer of the Year. Tanner carries several certifications and also serves as an instructor for firearms.
“He works hard to train the other officers,” Mahaney said. “He’s always prepared and willing to help the other guys.”
Undersheriff Jason Chennault presented Dexter Scott with a Dispatcher of the Year award for the sheriff’s office, and Roger Fine with the Deputy of the Year honor. Scott is also a reserve sheriff’s deputy, and patrols the county roads when he’s not behind the radio as a dispatcher.
“Dexter is a good communications officer, and he works the late shift where there’s little room for error,” Chennault said.
“He was certified as a reserve deputy earlier this year.”
Fine works as a school resource officer, and also serves the Peggs community as its fire chief.
“Roger took a job many people don’t want,” Chennault said.
“If he sees a troubled child, he always tries to do what he can to help.”
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Rodney Vick was chosen as Trooper of the Year. Stacy James, the exalted leading lady knight of the Elks Lodge, presented Vick with his honor in the absence of Vick’s supervisor, Lt. Billy Golden.
Vick is one of several troopers who patrol Cherokee County roads and highways trying to make them safe for motorists.
His brother, Brandon Vick, recently started as a TPD officer after working as a Cherokee County sheriff’s deputy. Vick has recorded several citations and arrests.
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Ranger Mike Moore presented John Wallace, a seasonal ranger, with the Ranger of the Year honor. Moore also offered thanks to all the agencies that help the river rangers throughout the year.
“We’re a pretty small agency and we have thousands of visitors on the river every year,” he said.
“We really appreciate all the help.”
Moore said Wallace also serves in the National Guard, in addition to his ranger duties.
Nick Smith was honored as the 911 Dispatcher of the Year. His award was presented by Darryl Maggard, the county’s former 911 coordinator. Maggard said, in years past, the 911 administration chose the dispatcher to receive the honor, but Smith was chosen by his peers this year.
Maggard said Smith is a quality dispatcher and is well deserving of the honor.
The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service honored two of its members. Marshal Bret Mull and Sgt. Chad McCarter received their accolades from Marshal Shannon Buhl. Buhl said McCarter and Mull have both done exceptional jobs during their tenure with the CNMS and are well deserving of their awards.
