When veteran Rockdale Police Department Sgt. Jody Tillery won the offi - cer-of-the year award for the fourth straight time Saturday night, he knew just how to phrase the historic honor.
“I’m the oldest one in the department, except for the chief,” he told the crowd of more than 200.
That would be Police Chief Thomas Harris, who presided at the annual combined banquet along with Fire Chief Ward Rod-dam.
CONTRAST—It was quite a contrast between the police and RVFD top awards.
Firefi ghter-of-the-year went to Zach Springer, a second-year volunteer.
Roddam said Springer is continuing a long tradition of service to Rockdale by both sides of his family.
Tillery becomes the fi rst person to win offi cer-ofthe-year four times. Before Saturday he had been tied with former policeman Adam Assaker, who won th award in 2011, 2012 an 2013. Awards cover the previous year.
MORE AWARDS—
Offi cer of the year is determined on a points basis. Tillery amassed 1,599 points while Michael Johnson—runner-up for the second year in a row—totaled 1,426.26.
Awards were presented by Lt. Stephen Goodrich who announced Ofc. Michael Hubnik had won the Topgun Marksmanship Award.
Roddam said the RVFD made more than 300 fi re calls during 2017.
He said currently the department has 44 members, 10 associate members and four junior fi refi ghters.
Roddam also announced a number of service awards as follows:
25 years—Elbert Page.
20 years—Dwayne David.
15 years—Preston Mus-ton and Eric Towns.
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