Suffolk is blessed to have a dedicated and professional police department, and some of the best members of that department were honored recently during its annual awards ceremony.

The event served to honor and recognize sworn and non-sworn members of the department, as well as citizens who have contributed to its success and the service it provides to the Suffolk community.

A story in Sunday’s edition of the Suffolk News-Herald included a list of dozens of officers, detectives, command staff and civilian employees who received well-deserved recognition during the event. Some received life saving awards, some were honored as Police Officer of the Quarter, some received department commendations, some received citizen awards and others were honored for other noteworthy performance.

Four individuals, however, received special awards that deserve another look: Brandee Curl was honored as Emergency Communications Operator of the Year; Detective Sgt. Timothy Cooper was named Supervisor of the Year; Officer Josie Hall was named Police Officer of the Year; and Police Records Technician Supervisor Jeanette Robertson was named Civilian Employee of the Year.

These four public servants exemplify the high standards and fierce dedication that are hallmarks of the city’s police department. The law enforcement agency is fortunate to have such fine exemplars of public service, and Suffolk’s citizens can rest easier knowing they and the others who were honored at the ceremony are on the job.