Police Chief Mike Swain is pleased to announce the following awards given to exemplary employees of the North Platte Police Department:

Each year the North Platte Police Department holds regular inspections of their uniformed officers to ensure they maintain a high standard of uniform dress and overall appearance.  All uniformed officers compete for this honor each year.

Police Investigator Tim Dowhower has been named Best Dressed Officer of the Year for 2014.

Inv. Dowhower has served with the North Platte Police Department for 14 years; he is currently assigned to Community and Technical Services as a School Resource and a DARE Officer for the North Platte School District.

Officers are given three sets of summer uniforms and three sets of winter uniforms. The uniform provided by the department is everything but socks and underwear.

The department takes care of uniforms when they are torn, but officers are responsible for washing and, if they choose, ironing their uniforms.

Evidence Technician Gayle Reed has been named North Platte Police Department’s Employee of the Year for 2014.

For the last 13 plus years, Gayle Reed has been an evidence technician for the North Platte Police Department. Now, the department is rewarding her service by honoring her as the 2014 Employee of the Year. Reed has worked for the police department for 36 years.

The 2014 Employee of the Year has an important role at the police department and in the justice system. Reed is responsible for packing and the storing of evidence.

In addition to her evidence responsibilities she takes care of found items and towed vehicles. Reed says she feels good about her job.

Every year since 1983, an employee of the department has been recognized. All of the department’s civilian employees are eligible for the honor.

Chief Mike Swain said the Employee of the Year Award is the department’s way of noticing employees who have gone above and beyond.

Anyone in the department can nominate someone for the distinction.