The "Law Officer of the Year" and "Citizen of the Year" award winners were announced at the Quincy Exchange Club's 51st Annual Law Officer of the Year Luncheon at the Quincy Elks Lodge today. The keynote speaker was former Adams County Sheriff Brent Fischer, currently the Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Quincy Police Chief Rob Copley was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.  Chief Copley asked for a moment of silence for those fallen officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the past years.

Copley then introduced Jenny Hayden who introduced this year’s "Citizen of the Year" award. That honor went to Rhonda Murry who has worked tirelessly to enhance the relationship between the community and the police department. Mrs. Murry has been involved for years in working with DCFS and the Foster Children’s program. In accepting the honor, Mrs. Murry thanked her staff and her husband, Rocky, of 38 years.

Chief Copley then introduced Adams County Sheriff Brian VonderHaar who had the honors of announcing this year’s Law Officer of the Year award winner.  This year’s winner was Tommy Pickett of the Adams County Sheriff’s Department. Pickett started his career as a correction officer in 1994 and became Deputy in 2000. He is currently an inspector for the Sheriff’s Department as is a part of the West-Central Illinois Drug Task Force. Pickett has been involved in 100’s of search warrants and has been involved in dangerous drug arrests involving crimes against people and property. Pickett, in accepting the award, thanked his family and the people he works with for making his job easier.

 

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