CENTRALIA — The Centralia Police Department has announced its 2017 Officer of the Year.

Officer Billy White was named the 2017 Officer of the Year. Officer White is an 18 year veteran of the Centralia Police Department and is currently assigned to the patrol division.

Centralia Police Chief Brian Atchison says that although there were several employees who were strong contenders for the award, Officer White’s efforts in 2017 netted him the coveted honor.

According to Atchison, Officer White’s dedicated service to the department as a police officer were displayed through his efforts in performing duties as a police officer at an above average level on a daily basis.

“Officer White also serves as a Field Training Officer, who is one of a group of officers that is assigned to train new police officers. This is yet another task which he has excelled,” explains Atchison.  “In addition, Officer White serves as the manager of the department’s fleet of vehicles, which includes scheduling maintenance and repairs to the squad cars, as well as overseeing the installation of new car equipment.”

The Officer of the Year Award was started in 2000 to recognize an individual’s efforts as a Centralia Police Officer. Although this award singles out one employee’s accomplishments, Atchison says the efforts of the entire department have met the challenges this year.