BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — May 12-18 is nationally recognized as Police Memorial Week, when those who have fallen in the line of duty are remembered and honored. It is during this week that the Battle Creek Police Department recognizes its officers, citizens and other law enforcement professionals whom have performed exceptionally throughout the year.
On May 14 the Battle Creek Police held their annual awards ceremony. More than 100 awards were given out to officers from Battle Creek, Emmett Township and Springfield recognizing their acts of courage, bravery and extraordinary effort in their daily performance.
Additionally honored were police dispatchers and local citizens acknowledged for a variety of courageuous and professional acts such as following an armed bank robbery suspect or witnesses who came forward to assist the police with invaluable information that led to the arrest of a dangerous suspect.
The highlight of the afternoon was the awarding of Officer of the Year, which was presented to Detective Aaron Smith. Smith was recognized for his hard work in the bureau to include homicides, million dollar embezzlement cases and the investigation and arrest of numerous other violent crimes.
Smith is currently a sniper on the Battle Creek Emergency Response Team and instructor in firearms and high precision driving but if asked he would say his most important job is as husband and father to his two sons.
