Wetzel County Prosecutor Timothy Haught, left, presents the Law Officer of the Year to West Virginia State Police Corporal C.J. “Clint” Lantz. (Photo by Amy Witschey)

West Virginia State Police Corporal C.J. “Clint” Lantz received the Law Officer of the Year award Friday from Wetzel County Prosecutor Timothy Haught.

“But I wasn’t even here,” said Lantz. That is exactly why Haught chose to give the award to him. He was serving in the U.S. Army National Guard in Iraq from March 2009 to February 2010.

The surprise presentation was given just before the Memorial Day weekend as a way to underscore Lantz’ military service.

“I wanted to honor Clint for his service to our country and Wetzel County,” stated Haught. “I really appreciate his service.”

Lantz and Haught were sure to mention the other law enforcement officers who have served in the military. WVSP?Troopers Eric MacFarland who is in Afghanistan, Larry Helmick, and Mike Lemon. Also, Wetzel County?Sheriff’s Deputy Donald Bordenkircher was deployed to Iraq. Also deployed with Lantz was Jim?Allen, a former police officer.

Lantz served in the Marines before beginning his career as a state trooper. He has been in that position for 13 years and also has a K-9 unit for added service to the state.