“What makes Gary worthy of this award is not just the professional performance of his duty, but the many tasks he undertakes to foster community policing,” stated Farmville Chief of Police, Curtis Davis in a media release.
Officer Gary Williams was named the 2015 Farmville Police Officer, the second time receiving the award since his first recognition in 2012.
Williams previously worked for 27 years with the Virginia State Police before joining the Farmville Police Department.
In the release, Davis stated the activities which Williams has participated in for the community, such as child safety seat installations, reading to children in daycare centers and attending community events.
Williams has also been involved in the establishment of a Farmville chapter of “Help Save the Next Girl.” This program assists in bringing awareness to prevention and threat of abductions. Williams also assisted in the reestablishment of the Police Explorers Program, which introduces students to the practice of a law enforcement career. The program currently has 15 members, which has risen from a previous five.
The process of choosing an Officer of the Year involves gathering nominations from members of the department and then a discussion of the nominees. This discussion is carried out by the command staff which includes Davis, two lieutenants and the captain. A vote is then taken by the command staff in order to determine who receives the award.
“For us, it’s a little different. It’s not necessarily incident-driven, meaning you have to catch a robbery suspect or make a big arrest. What we look for is a body of work, a continuing effort by someone to do something. I don’t want to say extraordinary but obviously different. Gary has done some tremendous things for the community. He’s like that every day,” said Davis.
Davis will also be taking over Williams’ post directing traffic during the Christmas parade while Williams leads the parade itself, a position which Davis would have been given.
According to Davis, Williams will be recognized through the media and will be given a plaque.
“All the officers here I believe treat people very well. It’s just with Gary, he has the ability to go out and talk to people, to perform his duty sort of the way we want it to be done, and there were several good candidates for that position this year that were all very deserving.”
Davis said that Williams’ behavior has not changed since receiving the award.
Davis added in the release, “He is a full service officer to the community who does not focus simply on the enforcement of the laws, but also the improvement of the quality of life for all citizens and the future of our profession. In addition to the many accomplishments that Gary has achieved over his esteemed career, nothing can compare to his friendly demeanor, compassion and the genuine respect he shows to everyone he meets. He represents the things that made a true public servant.”
