SCOTT FINNEN WINS OFFICER OF YEAR 2009

By Mark Scohier

By MARK SCOHIER

news2@chieflandcitizen.com

Catching bad guys and saving lives is often a thankless job.

But last week, members of the community got together to make sure that a few of the people working in these professions got exactly what they deserve: a thank you.

Law Appreciation Night, sponsored by the Chiefland Women’s Club, honored seven law enforcement and emergency service workers on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Chiefland Elementary School for their commitment to their jobs.

The evening opened with a dinner and a few words from State Rep. Leonard Bembry.

“It’s so important,” Bembry said to the crowd, “that we let them (law enforcement) know how important it is what they do. Their lives are on the line, and they put their lives on the line for us.”

Chiefland Police Chief Robert Douglas, before presenting his award, told the audience that military, law enforcement and fire departments are the only things standing in the way of chaos.

“I think law enforcement is a calling,” he told the audience. “The reason we do this, and I’ve been doing it for 33 years, is because it’s a calling. It’s not for the money.”

The seven employees who received awards, by order of appearance, are as follows:

Officer Alton Horne—Chiefland Police Department

Luther Eugene Stochman, Jr.—Chiefland Fire and Rescue

Kristi Ward—Chiefland Emergency Medical Services

Officer James Umhoefer—Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Officer Kevin Harris—Florida Highway Patrol

Officer Lisa Brock—Levy County Correctional

Lt. Scott Finnen—Levy County Sheriff’s Department