Hattiesburg Police Department holds award ceremony | News

HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM)- It's not often that police officers get a chance to see how appreciated they are, but that wasn't the case Thursday morning.

More than 50 police officers of the Hattiesburg Police Department received special recognition from Police Chief Frazier Bolton at the annual HPD awards ceremony at the Hattiesburg Police Fire Training Academy.

Awards included: Officer of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, and several service awards. Each officer or worker took home a plaque or certificate. Chief Bolton says it's important to let them know they are not over looked.

"I recognize what they do, because of the day to day things that they have to go through, and the times I have to spend with them, and the ups and downs we have as police officers," said Bolton. "It's important that they know that somebody is looking, and somebody is thinking about the job that they do."

"This is just a great honor to get this award," said Civilian Employee of the Year, Nikkie Hampton.

"It's an honor. It's great," said Officer of the Year, Benjamin Deen.

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