LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS EARN WELL-DESERVED KUDOS

Once again, the hard work and dedication of a Cape Girardeau County sheriff's deputy has been recognized through presentation of the Timothy J. Ruopp Award.

This year's award, the 14th since it was established in 1984, went to Paul Wilson, a bailiff and paper server with the department since 1984. That was the same year that Timothy Ruopp, a former officer of the department, was killed in the line of duty as a member of the San Diego Police Department.

The same day Wilson was honored, former sheriff Norman Copeland also handed out Copeland Excellence Awards, which he established four years ago. They went to Rob Watson, who was honored for his work with the Neighborhood Watch programs in the county; Anita Watkins, who was recognized in the business operations category; J.P. Mulcahy, was honored for his work as a sergeant in the jail division. He also presented an honorary award to Sgt. Leo McElrath, who recently retired from the Missouri Highway Patrol, as did Copeland before he served as sheriff.

The important work of law enforcement officers often goes unrecognized, and the presentation of these awards within the sheriff's department is an excellent way of thanking the recipients for jobs well done.