2011 Optimist Club Officer of the Year

Chief Crawford, Mayor Clawson, and Officer O'Neal

Officer Dennis O’Neal was the recent recipient of the “Officer of the Year” award presented by Boone Optimist Club.  Each year an officer is chosen from either the Watauga County Sheriff’s Department, Appalachian State University Police Department or Boone Police Department.  It is a competitive process.  The officers are chosen by a committee from the Boone Optimist Club based upon their service to the community and any life saving acts that are performed during the year.  “Officer O’Neal attempted to save a victim of a drowning from the creek and is a wonderful ambassador of the police department and Town. His action displayed bravery in the face of great danger as he modeled the attributes of what a true public servant should exemplify”, as stated by Chief Dana Crawford.  Officer O’Neal is a two year veteran of the Boone Police Department and displays a great attitude toward community service.  He is an active member of the Boone Police Bicycle Patrol and patrols the Greenway Trail and downtown business district and helping children develop bicycle safety skills.

Congratulations to Officer O’Neal for being awarded “Officer of the Year”!