LOXLEY, Alabama — The Loxley Optimist Club hosted it annual Respect for Law program Thursday morning, May 26. The purpose of the program is to give recognition to the police officers and volunteer firefighters of the Town of Loxley and to recognize the Police Officer of the Year and the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

This year’s recipients were: Daniel Middleton, Police Officer of the Year, and Will Erwin, Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

The members of the Loxley Optimist Club prepare and serve breakfast for all of the attendees and guests which included approximately 65 people this year.

The keynote speaker for the event was ALEA Secretary Stan Stabler. Other special guests included District Judge Michelle Thomason, Circuit Judge Jody Bishop, Chief Deputy Charlie Jones of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney Elect Bob Wilters.

Mayor Billy Middleton, who is also a charter member of the Club, praised the officers and volunteers for the great job they do and thanked them for their service.

“In my opinion, the town of Loxley has the best police department in the county,” he said.

The Loxley Optimist Club meets every Thursday morning at 7 a.m. at the Loxley Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Guests and potential new members are always welcome.