Officer earns police department's annual honor

Andrew Swartz, left, was named Mountain Home Police Department's Officer of the Year for 2013. Police Chief Nick Schilz presented him with the honor during a recent ceremony.

Mountain Home Police Chief Nick Schilz named one of the department's newest officers, Andrew Swartz, for its top honor as officer of the year for 2013.

A 2012 graduate from Idaho State University with a degree in criminal justice, Swartz joined the department in May of that year. He was nominated for the award by his supervisor, Police Sgt. Scott Smith.

"The choice for officer of the year was a hard one. Any of the officers who had been nominated by their fellow officers could have received this award," said Chief Schilz.

Swartz was described as an officer "who is dedicated, concerned for his community and for the performance of his duties as a Mountain Home Police officer," Schilz said.

Since joining the city police force, Swartz has set an excellent example for others to follow, going "above and beyond his obligations as an officer," the police chief added.

Swartz was one of three officers nominated for the yearly honor. Others in the running for the distinction included Police Cpl. Stan Winings and Detective Robert Sugden.

During the association's yearly gathering, the department recognized other officers for their contributions in 2013. Honors that evening went to Winings, Detective Ross Mableson and Officer Ryan Melanese for outstanding service to the local police association. Meanwhile, the association's member of the year award went to Amy Pearson in recognition of her hard work and dedication to the association and its members.

The presentation was made during the Mountain Home Police Association's annual Christmas party last month.