Middleton PD Celebrates National Law Enforcement Award
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HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn.- Residents in Middleton are celebrating their local police department’s big accomplishments. Each year, the Middleton Police Department competes in the Law Enforcement Challenge which is an award program designed to award law enforcement agencies for outstanding achievements regarding highway safety enforcement and education programs. Officials held the 2011 Law Enforcement Challenge awards September 7, in Murfreesboro. Middleton police won First Place in the nation for overall top score and Best Police Department nationwide in the 1-to-10 Officer Division. Police Chief Lynn Webb said being able to take home the Tennessee State Director’s cup reminds his officer’s exactly who they are working to protect and serve. “It’s great to come in here and see these kids,that’s what everything is about,” said Chief Webb. “It’s about saving their lives and keeping the kids safe and making it a safe place for them to live. ” Middleton police also took first place in the state’s Alcohol Awareness Award. District 80 State Representative Johnny Shaw said it is important to recognize that the department is keeping streets in Middleton safe. “Underage drinking I would say is under control, we know we want to do better but at least we know that we have it under control and that means a lot,” said Representative Shaw. The community gathered to recognize the department in Middleton Elementary School gym. The presentation allowed all students to walk through an educational booth where officers could teach students how to be apart of a safe community. School officials said the presentation is one of the most important life lessons they try to teach their students. “Sometimes they might think, well police officers are the bad guys they are not the bad guys they are here to help them,” said Middleton Elementary Principal Ricky Bishop. Officers said they work hard to connect with students of all ages with educational events. “You know how important it is that we make a good impression on our children and I think this police department are the kind of heroes that the children here can look up to,” said Representative Shaw. There are only a total of 4 officers that make up the Middleton Police Department. Residents said even though the department is small, officers are doing big things for the community. “They are absolutely fantastic and I’m very proud of all of them,” said Bishop, ” After Middleton, second place in the overall top ten score nationwide category is Benton, in East Tennessee . Third Place is Campton Hills, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Officials with Middleton police said the department will keep the director’s cup for one year and then enter the competition again.
