Submitted by Sally McKinney

LILLIAN, Ala. –The Optimist Club of Perdido Bay has awarded Foley Police Officer Carlos Lizarraga as the 2012 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Each year the club honors law enforcement officers for the help they provide in protecting citizens and by “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”, giving “100% and Then Some” and being “Friends of Youth.”

A K-9 Officer and member of the Special Response Team, Officer Lizarraga was nominated by his Chief, David Wilson for “striving for the best in every aspect of his life”.

“He is an outstanding person both in his private life and professional life, but a substantial part of what makes him great is his modesty,” Wilson said. “He never seeks acclaims or pushes for personal recognition, choosing rather to work toward what is best for his shift, the Special Response Team and the Department.”

Other officers nominated by their departments, individuals and others include Patrolman Shawn Andrews, Gulf Shores Police Department; Sgt. Rex Bishop, Robertsdale Police Department.; Lt. Tom Bryars, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department.; Sgt. Stephanie Hollinghead, Fairhope Police Department; Sgt. Julie Joyner, Elberta Police Department; Deputy Chris Kaiser, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department; Officer Maia Lewis, Daphne Police Department; Sgt. Richard Nolte, Orange Beach Police Department; Deputy Jason Price, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department; Cpl. Andre Reid, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department; Probation Officer Gene Whitson, Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole.