New Martinsville Police Department Patrolman Friend Estep accepts the Carl Kocher Memorial Award for Officer of the Year from New Martinsville Moose Lodge #931.

The New Martinsville Police Department swept the annual awards at New Martinsville Moose Lodge #931’s annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night Jan. 23.

NMPD Patrolman Friend Estep earned the Carl Kocher Memorial Award for Officer of the Year.

He had shown the most improvement, making 100 arrests compared to 30 the previous year.

Ironically, within 24 hours of the awards ceremony Estep showed just why he earned the title. NMPD Chief Tim Cecil said a 17 year old boy was going to jump into the Ohio River from the fishing pier near the hydroelectric dam. However, Estep talked him off the pier and got him help.

Also recognized from the NMPD was Rick Estep as dispatcher of the year. “He was the first to repeat as dispatcher of the year,” noted Cecil. Estep was particularly lauded for writing a grant that brought $75,000 to the department.

New Martinsville Moose Lodge #931 Governor Todd Kay presents a $250 donation to the New Martinsville Police Department Canine Unit to NMPD Investigator Donnie Harris. (Photos by Bruce Crawford)

In addition to the awards, the Moose donated $250 to the NMPD’s canine unit.