Police officers with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department who have gone above and beyond to connect with the community were given special recognition at the 40th annual Police Community Relations Awards held at the Bank of America Stadium and hosted by WSOC-TV anchor Erica Bryant.
The awards go to officers who have worked in police divisions, neighborhoods and schools to build positive relationships with the community.
The officers were interviewed individually by police community relations subcommittee members. They were also asked to bring to the interview a brief statement about community policing in which they shared with the panel to assist in the review process.
“You’ve got a lot of people from all walks of life who come here to celebrate the good that our officers are doing, and it’s a good feeling,” CMPD Chief Kerr Putney, said.
Of the twenty-one officers nominated, twelve were selected as finalists.
One of the finalists was officer David “Russ” Faulkenberry with CMPD’s Central Division.
Faulkenberry is a 27-year veteran of CMPD. He directs a great deal of his energy in assisting the homeless population. He has been instrumental in developing a partnership with Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center to defer individuals, who panhandle, for treatment in lieu of arrest when possible. Faulkenberry has been described as a hero to the homeless.
Another finalist was officer Reggie Gilmore, with CMPD’s education outreach and youth services division for the community services bureau.
Gilmore focuses on building partnerships with the community and engaging in collaboration that fosters positive interaction and trust. He is not only tasked with protecting and serving the community, he also is actively involved with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Activities League where he serves as a youth mentor.
“I’ve been encouraging them, but when they hear it directly from the community it’s a thousand times better,” Putney said.
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.