LPD gives out two "Officer of the Year" awards

Laurel, Miss. - Funding issues have kept the Laurel Police Department from handing out awards the last few years.

Thanks to some of its sponsors, officers were given their due Tuesday morning.

Laurel Police Officer, John Stringer said, "I'm honored. I just show up and do my job. I have a passion for law enforcement and I think anybody who has the passion to do this job, it shows in their work."

Laurel Police Investigator, Kim Stewart said, "This day is a special day for me and of course Stringer. It's been a long time coming. Of most, I give God the glory for this day, put love, and desire, and motivation in me and Officer Stringer's hearts. We do what we can do to keep the city safe and help the one's that need help."

One of Stewart's friends was there to cheer him on as he received this award.

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Pastor, Herbert Walker said, "We just came to support him and we pray to God that he keeps blessing him and God will keep watching over him and Chief Stewart as they perform their duties for the community of Laurel, Mississippi."