The Centralia Police Department has implemented a new program to name an officer of the month.
The January award winner is School Resource Officer and Patrolman John Hinkel. He was nominated for an investigation of a theft case which involved several juveniles. He took the initial complaint and investigated the matter from beginning to the end. Hinkel identified eight individuals involved and enrolled them in the department’s diversion program. In addition, he implemented a program with some of the schools to recognize a student each month for a Random Act of Kindness award as well as conducting 64 directed patrols.
As the monthly winner, Hinkel will receive an award letter and a gift certificate from Jerry’s Grill and Bar thanks to Jerry’s generosity.
The recognition will be given each month to a sworn patrol officer for the contributions they made which promote safety, resolve crime, and or improve community interaction. Proactivity/self-initiated activity is also a determing factor. Shift commanders (sergeants) are asked to nominate one officer per month to receive the recognition. At the end of the year, the program will be a factor identifying the officer of the year.
