BENTONVILLE — The Bentonville Police Department recognized its 2013 Officer of the Year and Civilian Employee of the Year recipients Monday.
Brent Farrer was named Officer of the Year, and Moriah Sartain, telecommunicator, and Kristin Barnes, administrative assistant, were named the Civilian Employees of the Year.
Farrer has been with the department since 2010 and is assigned to the night shift of the Uniform Patrol Division, according to a news release. He serves as the field training officer for new recruits and is a SWAT team member.
Farrer said receiving the award meant a lot to him.
“I’m very passionate about what I do with law enforcement,” he said. “It’s an important thing, and to have everybody vote for you, it gives you a vote of confidence. It encourages you, and lets you know you’re doing a good thing.”
Sartain has worked for the department as a telecommunicator for more than five years, according to the release. She dispatches for police, fire and EMS during the night shift where she also serves as a back-up supervisor.
“It’s a privilege to see that your co-workers appreciate what you do every day,” she said of receiving the award.
Barnes shared similar sentiments.
“Very honored, especially being nominated by people that you work with,” she said. “It’s a big honor.”
Barnes has been with the department for two and a half years and serves as the administrative assistant to the police chief. She was promoted to that position after working two years in the records division, according to the news release.
Each year award winners are selected based on votes by their colleagues. Criteria for recipients include “a sense of duty and service that reflects great professionalism and also brings credit to both the law enforcement profession and the City of Bentonville,” according the release.
“Every year there’s always a few people who get a vote or two; it’s very common because we have a lot of great people around here,” Police Chief Jon Simpson told the more than 50 people in attendance at the police station. “It’s every day, day in and day out, 24 hours a day, there’s a lot of great things accomplished, and we’re very proud to have the opportunity to award an officer and a professional staff member of the year.”
He turned to the award winners and said: “This year, I must say, the votes for you guys were overwhelming. Congratulations.”