Investigators Receive Award
Capt. Mike Sullivan and Sgt. Curt Smithey were recently recognized at the North Carolina Narcotics Investigators Conference for having the 2012 OCDETF Case of the Year. The award was presented by Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Operation “Tool Vault” was a collaborative effort among several local, state and federal agencies in investigating and prosecuting this in depth narcotics case. Both officers were presented with a certificate expressing “gratitude on behalf of the western district of North Carolina and the United States of America, for outstanding contributions to the investigation and prosecution of an extensive drug trafficking organization. Your efforts and success exemplify the highest standards of cooperative law enforcement.”
After a career spanning over 30 years in law enforcement, Major Kevin L. Yarborough retired from the City of Newton Police Department on September 21st. Major Yarborough spent the last 24 years working for the City of Newton after starting his career with the Gaston County Rural Police. While working for Newton, Major Yarborough worked his way up through the ranks serving in several positions such as patrol officer, investigations sergeant, patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and patrol captain before finishing his career as deputy chief at the rank of major. Major Yarborough plans to spend more time at his vacation home in Blowing Rock and also camping during his retirement.
Officers Participate In Reunion 5K
On August 18th, officers participated in the Soldiers Reunion 5k. Ptl. Jason Hill finished 50th overall with a time of 23:00 and a pace of 7:25. Sgt. Dan Harris finished 70th overall with a time of 24:03 and pace of 7:45. Mst. Brian Bixby finished 127th with a time of 26:11 and pace of 8:26. Ptl. Jason Hill also finished 2nd for his age group.
New Officers Join Force
On June 27th Chief Brown held a swearing in ceremony for two new officers. Ronald Crawley and Patrick Evans were sworn as the newest officers both going to road patrol. Ronald Crawley lives in the Vale community and Patrick Evans lives in Newton. Both officers were joined at the ceremony by their families and friends.
Officers Join S.T.A.R. Team
Master Officer Brian Bixby and Patrolman Jason Hill recently were selected to join the multi-jurisdictional S.T.A.R. Team. Bixby and Hill competed against other team hopefuls from other agenices in various aspects related to law enforcement, and tactical response and operations. Just as important, officers were tested on their abililty to work as a team to achieve a common goal. The S.T.A.R. Team is comprised of officers from several law enforcement agencies within Catawba County, and responds to various emergency situations. Newton Police Department will now have a total of six (6) officers participating on the S.T.A.R. Team as well as two (2) negotiators.
Officer Participates in Half Marathon
Recently, Master Officer Brian Bixby participated in a half marathon in Myrtle Beach. The Dasani Half Marathon at Myrtle Beach, S.C. was held at Broadway at the Beach. The event took runs south on Hwy 17 and then back north on Ocean Blvd to finish at Broadway. Officer Bixby completed the run in approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. Officer Bixby was joined by his sister and brother-in-law.
2011 Elks Lodge #2042 Officer of the Year
On March 24, 2012 officers from the Newton Police Department gathered at Elks Lodge #2042 to enjoy a meal prepared by the Elks and to announce and celebrate the Elks Lodge Officer of the Year. Nominated by his fellow officers, Patrolman Jason L. Hill was awarded this honor and was presented a shadowbox from Products for Good by Robbie Hoard of Elks Lodge #2042. The box features the policeman's prayer and a tribute to the fallen military heroes, two law enforcement commemorative coins, and two liberated Iraqi coins. This award is especially fitting since Patrolman Hill served 2 tours of duty in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Patrolman Hill has been with the department since October 2010 and currently serves on “B” Platoon.
2011 American Legion Post 16 Officer of the Year
On January 28, 2012, Lt. David Sigmon was honored as the 2011 American Legion Post 16 Officer of the Year for Outstanding Service to the Community. The award was presented to Lt. Sigmon by the Post Commander following a meal prepared and served by the Auxiliary Unit Post 16. Lt. Sigmon was nominated for this award by his co-workers at the Newton Police Department who were in attendance for this honor. Lt. Sigmon has been employed with the Newton Police Department since October 1990 and currently serves as shift commander for “B” Platoon. Lt. Sigmon has previously served as patrol sergeant, K-9 sergeant handling his late partner Sawyer, community policing sergeant, and patrol officer.
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