A James City County police officer was awarded earlier this month for his dedication to creating a safer community.
Master Police Officer Zach Miller was recognized for his outstanding work Nov. 4 at the 17th Annual Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Lines’ Top Cop awards dinner in Suffolk, according to a James City County Police Department news release.
Each year, the regional award recognizes an officer for creating a safer community through dedication and leadership, the release said.
The Top Cop award is given to an officer from each participating Hampton Roads locality, including the Historic Triangle, Virginia Peninsula, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach regions, according to the Crime Line website.
“MPO Miller has a wealth of knowledge, routinely demonstrates County values and consistently excels in the performance of his duties,” the release said. “The Department is proud to be represented at this annual event by MPO Miller.”
Miller was also awarded 2017 Officer of the Year by the James City County Police Department, according to a police department news release earlier this year.
In his 13 years with the department, Miller has served on the department’s Highway Task Force, which focuses on enforcing highway safety laws and trains officers for duty, police spokeswoman Stephanie Williams said.
Miller has also helped implement new department training programs, including the use of a force simulator, a virtual training technique, and the ALERRT Active Shooter Response Programs, the release said.
Miller has hosted regional and statewide training in James City County through grant funding.
While training officers is his primary responsibility, Miller also excels in the department by assisting patrol officers on calls and at crime scenes, the 2017 Officer of the Year release said.
The Top Cop awards ceremony began in 2000 as a way to honor law enforcement, according to the Crime Line website. The annual awards are based on the officers’ contributions to making a safer community.
The James City County Police Department nominates their Police Officer of the Year award recipient for the Top Cop award each year, Williams said.
