SEARCY — Several members of the Searcy Police Department were honored for their hard work during 2017 when they had their annual Christmas Party and Awards Dinner on Dec. 15.
Jason Denison was named Patrol Officer of the Year and received the Central Arkansas Drug Task Force Extra Mile Award. Josh King was named Officer of the Year. Nick Bright was named Civilian of the Year. Adam Sexton was honored as Detective of the Year. Tabatha Castera was named Dispatcher of the Year.
“The Searcy Police Department is proud of each and every employee and his or her commitment to serving this community,” said Terri Lee, public information officer for the department.
Patrol Officer of the Year
Jason Denison, who has worked for the Searcy Police Department since Aug. 6, 2012, was named Patrol Officer of the Year. See Front & Center on Page 4S.
Officer of the Year
Josh King, who was named Officer of the Year, has worked for the Searcy Police Department since Dec. 27, 2010.
“Cpl. King is a hardworking, well-organized officer,” Searcy Chief of Police Eric Webb said. “Cpl. King has earned the respect of his peers by a solid work ethic, integrity and going the extra mile to help his follow officers. Officer of the Year is the highest honor the Searcy Police Department can give. Cpl. King is deserving of that honor.”
Civilian of the Year
Nick Bright, animal-control officer for the city of Searcy, was named Civilian of the Year. He has worked for the city since Aug. 25, 2014.
“Nick Bright is an outstanding civilian employee,” Webb said “Mr. Bright has been called on to work on projects outside of his normal job description. I have never heard Mr. Bright complain about any extra task assigned to him. Mr. Bright is always willing to lend a helping hand to his fellow employees. He also humbly volunteers his time as an auxiliary officer and goes above and beyond for this department.”
Bright is a graduate of Bradford High School.
Detective of the Year
Adam Sexton, who has worked for the Searcy Police Department since Feb. 20, 2012, was named Detective of the Year.
“Adam Sexton is a hardworking officer with a drive to succeed,” Webb said. “Sexton is trusted and respected by his peers. We can count on Detective Sexton to complete his assignments and investigations thoroughly and professionally.”
Sexton, a 2009 graduate of Searcy High School, also received the Detective of the Year title in 2015.
Dispatcher of the Year
Tabatha Castera, who has worked for the Searcy Police Department since Feb. 3, 2003, was named Dispatcher of the Year. This is her second time to receive the honor.
“Ms. Castera helps with training and orientation of new employees and is instrumental in the day-to-day operations for the radio room,” Webb said. “Ms. Castera is courteous to the officers and the public. She is an asset to the officers and the citizens of this community.”
Castera is a graduate of McRae High School.
Staff writer Mark Buffalo can be reached at (501) 399-3676 or mbuffalo@arkansasonline.com.