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The 2008 Officer of the Year Award

The 2008 Officer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant John Young of the Elizabeth City Police Department and the River City Lodge #76 at the Spring Board Meeting held in Hickory April 12th, 2008. Thanks to all who took the time and made the effort to submit nominations for this coveted award. This award honors Fraternal Order of Police members who distinguish themselves by actions which represent the highest standards of the law enforcement profession. The 2008 award recognizes service in the 2007 calendar year.

The 2008 Officer of the Year nominees were Sister Margaret Derenge of the Monroe - Union Lodge #19, Brother Martin J. Lawing of Morganton Lodge #23, Brother Darrell Martin of Rocky Mount Lodge #46, Brother Melvin Ray Allen of Person County #74, and Brother John Young of River City Lodge #76.

Lt. John Young of the Elizabeth City Police Department & the River City lodge #76 is a devoted police officer, father, husband, and community leader. Lt. Young graduated for the Fork Union Military Academy and completed his B.L.E.T. at Pitt Community College. John attended Elizabeth City State University and holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. John lives in Elizabeth City with his wife Jeannie and son J.T. Son Steve is serving our county in Germany. Lt. Young leads by example notably in the areas of community policing, gang and drug enforcement, and youth programs and mentoring. Lt. Young currently serves as Commander of Elizabeth City PD Operations Division which encompasses the Crime Prevention, Community Watch Group, and Code Enforcement. Lt. Young also serves as coordinator of Volunteers in Police Services, Community Transformation, National Crime Night Out, Handy Man Project, Operation Life Saver, Project Graduation, Project Santa Cop, FO P Shop with a Cop, Adopt a Cop, Departmental Training, & Taxi Cab Inspections. Lt. Young is a BLET Certified Instructor.

Lt. Young is a charter member of the FOP River City Lodge # 76 and has served as treasurer for this lodge from its conception. Lt. Young started his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with the Elizabeth City Police Department in 1988. He attained the rank of Sergeant in 1995 and currently serves at the rank of Lieutenant and is held in high regard by both his superiors and subordinates. Lt. Young has the responsibilities of overseeing numerous activities within the E.C.P.D. He devotes his time to attending meetings, instructing, updating training, and talking to the people in his community where he is well known for his expertise in drug and gang awareness through his dauntless efforts sharing that information with the public and fellow law enforcement officers. Lt. Young found a niche working with the youth in his area sports programs and with the help of his Chief started the areas first Police Athletic League and serves as President of Board of Di rectors for that organization which serves over 500 youths with 20 teams participating in various sports.

Congratulations John!