In the last two years the Tipp City Police Department has awarded “Officer of the Year” awards.  The recipients of this honor are what I call police officers.  I never kept it a secret that there are police officers and then there are report takers.  Yes this will make some people mad but then that is because they see the truth in themselves.

This year’s recipient, Darren Souter is a police officer the same as last year’s winner Tony Smith.  Duffy Souter is first and foremost a family man.  When he talked to me about his family, I could see how proud he was.  It was not a chore to raise his family, it was his honor.  Duffy carried this over into his police work.

After Officer Soutar got his police feet under him, I noticed he made OVI arrests with confidence but never arrogance.  He treated all suspects the same as he would treat a friend.  Duffy has a very steady personality that I often envied.  He would always be the good cop and rarely did I have to take my natural role as the bad cop since he gained people’s trust so easily.  When Soutar gave his word, you could take it to the bank.

When Duffy started working drugs, I marveled at his memory.  He could put a car together with the face, the name and the drugs of choice.  Working drugs is not for every police officer.  The people are usually diseased, afraid of being arrested and having to go cold turkey.  Searching a druggie’s car is often dangerous as used needles are left in crevices (hiding places) and have Hepatitis C, AIDS and every other disease associated with drug use and the sharing of needles.

But that is not what makes Duffy Officer of the year.  I cannot remember how many times as his Sergeant, I would drive by when he called out assisting a motorist.  The usual assist to a motorist consists of calling for a tow truck, calling family, taking the motorist(s) to a hotel or restaurant.

What Officer Soutar would be doing is changing a flat tire, checking the battery terminals or doing what he could to get the motorist out of harm’s way by fixing their car.  Duffy even had a way with truck drivers who are notoriously anxious around police.

In fact both recipients of Officer of the Year share a lot of the same traits.  Both are decent, nice guys who not only make arrests, but truly help citizens.  The old term “To Serve and Protect” came from a slogan made popular in Hollywood.  These two officers truly make the slogan come true not because it is what police are supposed to do, but because it is in their true nature.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
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