FAIRHOPE, Ala. — On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Fairhope Police Department’s Citizen Advisory Committee recognized four officers in their “Officer of the Month” program. The Committee will award the honor on a monthly basis to Fairhope police officers who distinguish themselves through a particular act of outstanding law enforcement service or through sustained exemplary performance.

Since the Committee’s inception in October 2009, the “Officer of the Month” program has been in development. Four officers were recently chosen, one for each month; from October 2009 through January 2010.

The Officer of the Month for October 2009 was Cpl. Wendell Thomas, who received the award for his participation in a search and rescue operation conducted by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Thomas was serving as a spotter on a State Trooper helicopter when they located the missing female in a swampy area. The pilot landed the helicopter and Thomas exited the aircraft to escort the woman to safety. His participation greatly contributed to the success of the rescue operation.

The Officer of the Month for November 2009 was Sgt. Mike Crittenden, who received the award for his actions on Nov. 7 at the scene of a motorcycle collision during the Angel-Ride fundraiser. The collision threatened to completely disrupt the motorcycle rally, and Crittenden assisted the downed riders and managed to mitigate the effects of the accident. Further, on Nov. 24, Crittenden was the first supervisor on-scene at the barricade incident at the Ravenite Pizzeria. His management of the initial scene contributed to the successful outcome of the crisis.

The Officer of the Month for December 2009 was Officer John Morgan, who received the award for his participation in the police department’s newly formed Crime Suppression Team (CST). The CST is responsible for focused police activity in areas experiencing an increase in crime or other unusual occurrences requiring law enforcement attention. Morgan was the first officer assigned to the team, and even while the process to select a unit supervisor was still on-going, he pressed forward with his new responsibilities and aggressively approached the challenges of this assignment, tracking wanted felons and investigating criminal activity.

The Officer of the Month for January 2010 was Lt. Joseph Petties, who received the award for his overall job performance, which consistently exceeds departmental expectations. Petties routinely dedicates extra hours to the efficient operation of the police department and displays an unselfish commitment to the welfare of our community, our agency and our officers. Despite his high-ranking position, he regularly volunteers for even the most menial of police tasks. He remains available at all hours to respond to any needs that might arise. He is highly respected by the officers of this department and his counsel and guidance are often sought.

Each officer received a plaque and a gift certificate, donated by the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa. The awards were presented at the regularly scheduled Citizen Advisory Committee meeting at the James P. Nix Center by Dr. Bill D. Press, Chief of Police; and Pete Lenoir, CAC chairman.