CENTRALIA — Centralia Police Chief Brian Atchison has announced that Sergeant Jamie James has been named the Centralia Police Department “2018 Officer of the Year”.

The presentation of the award was made at the annual police department Christmas party.

Atchison says every December each member of the department is asked to nominate someone for Employee of the Year. It is truly an honor to be selected for the award by your peers.

There were a total of five officers nominated for “Officer of the Year” with Sgt James having a total of ten nominations.

Although nomination totals are part of the selection process, ultimately the decision is based upon merit, with each employee having to justify their nomination for the award.

Sgt James is the supervisor on the evening shift, which is typically a busier time of the day for the police department.

According to Atchison, the supervisory qualities displayed by Sgt James are exceptional, including his ability to lead by example.

In 2018, Sgt James made over 30 arrests related to serious drug offenses and was involved in numerous arrests in which firearm related seizures and arrests were made.

Sgt James also serves as the Field Training Commander, who is responsible for overseeing the department’s Field Training Program for new officers.

Sgt James joined the department in 2000 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2006 and has been assigned to the Patrol Division.