Officer of the Month
The Foundation is happy to be able to provide a cash award on behalf of the citizens of the City of Lynchburg to the Officer of the Month: Detective Smith.
“Detective Smith is being recognized for her empathy and compassion while assisting a juvenile experiencing a crisis on February 25, 2023.
Detective Smith was leaving a recruiting event when she heard a call for service regarding an individual sitting on the railing of the John Lynch Bridge. Detective Smith was the first to arrive on scene and began speaking with a juvenile who was in crisis. She continued a dialogue with the juvenile until LPD’s Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) members arrived to take over communications. Detective Smith remained on scene after CNT members took over the incident to assist with other tasks until the juvenile was safe and transported for treatment.
On Monday, February 27, 2023, an unknown female citizen came to the police department and spoke with LPD staff. The citizen told LPD employees that she felt compelled to come and express her appreciation for what she observed on the bridge on the 25th. The citizen described how she witnessed a female officer speaking to someone in distress and it was obvious the officer cared and had compassion for the individual involved.
Detective Smith is being commended for her empathy, compassion, desire to help, ethics, and for assisting patrol officers while responding quickly to a call when off duty.”
The Foundation thanks Detective Smith for her dedication to a juvenile in crisis while off duty.
Donors to the Foundation allow us to continue to recognize our Lynchburg officers on behalf of our fellow citizens.