VALDOSTA, GA – Members of local law enforcement agencies in the area were applauded for their service at the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Rotary Club of Valdosta.

Officials from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department and the Valdosta Police Department paid special homage to some of their own with Officer of the Year Awards.  The LCSO officer of the year award was given to Deputy Donald Newham, a former auxiliary deputy who resumed full-time service with the department in 2012.  The VPD Officer of the Year Award went to Lt. Tomas Chavarria Jr., a 22-year veteran of the department.

The fund raised during the event help to support law enforcement personnel during times of specials needs.

Source: Valdosta Daily Times