Gentry police officers receive awards, commendations

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Keith Smith, Gentry's police chief, addressed his officers and their families and gave out awards at a special ceremony at the police station on May 9.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Keith Smith, Gentry's police chief, addressed his officers and their families and gave out awards at a special ceremony at the police station on May 9.

GENTRY -- Police officers and their families gathered at the Gentry Police Station May 9 to celebrate the department and to give out awards to officers and staff.

Among those receiving awards were Marie Bailey for her years of service to the department as office manager and records keeper, Mark Smithson for his work as animal control officer and code enforcement officer, Rick Lane and Clay Stewart for their years of service to the department and instructor status, Jorge Reyes for his service to the department and Kyle Thomas for saving a life with CPR. Also recognized were new officers John Langert and Jason Applegate, as well as recent academy graduate Christian Johnson.

Both Chief Keith Smith and Mayor Kevin Johnston expressed their appreciation for the work and dedication of the Gentry officers and their families. They said they viewed the department as one big family and urged officers to always put the needs of their own families first and be there for them. Smith urged officers to always be their best.

Following the award presentations, which included award certificates, pins and medals, the Gentry officers gathered for a group photo before returning to their duties.

General News on 05/16/2018