Officer Matthew Hirsch received the 2017 Officer of the Year Award at the Merriam Police Department’s annual meeting on Feb. 28. The police department gives out the award to an officer who best demonstrates a distinct pattern of teamwork, community service, community policing, and promotes the department’s core values of “courage, sacrifice, and compassion.”

“Recognizing the excellent work of our Merriam police officers is the best part of my job,” Police Chief Michael Daniels said. “Officer Hirsch is a great example of the type of hard working dedicated police officers we have serving our great citizens.”

Officer Hirsch has served with the department since 2016. His peers describe him as reliable, team-oriented, and having a passion for police work. In his short time with the department, Officer Hirsch has acquired extra duties as a member of the department’s honor guard. He’s also a baton instructor and a police training officer.

“Getting this award feels fantastic,” Officer Hirsch said. “The fact that my peers chose me means a lot. I try to work hard and be a contributing member of this team. I was excited to learn my peers think of me in such a positive way.”

Officer Hirsch said he’s motivated to do his best so he can be a good role model for his three children. In his free time, Officer Hirsch enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering for Special Olympics events, and serving in the United States Army Reserve.

Officers Jared Ruby and Chris Meyers were also honored at the annual meeting. The two were promoted from officers to master police officers (MPOs). MPOs are non-supervisory positions, but the promotion recognizes that the two have had high job performance evaluations. Requirements to become an MPO include serving at a police department for at least three years, 40 plus hours of specialized training, and two letters of recommendation from their superiors.