Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Phil Keith today named Knoxville Police Department Officer Clint Madison as the December 2003 Officer of the Month.

Officer Madison has been with the department since December 2002. Chief Keith said that on December 23, 2003, at approximately 9:43 a.m., officers responded to 1822 McTeer Street to investigate a residential burglary. Several hours later the burglary victim flagged down Officer Madison while he was on routine patrol. The victim wanted to alert officers that she had just noticed a handgun from her residence had also been stolen from the earlier burglary. While gathering information about the gun, Officer Madison noticed that the victim's four-year old child was crying. Officer Madison discovered that all the child's Christmas presents had been stolen during the burglary. Madison was also able to determine that the family had no means to replace the stolen Christmas gifts.

Chief Keith said, "Officer Madison decided he had to help the child. He purchased gifts to replace several that had been stolen and while informing another officer about the stolen weapon, Madison just happened to mention the child's stolen presents." "The next thing you know, the information "Snow-Balled". Other officers along with E-911 personnel donated money and purchased presents for the family." Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Madison along with his colleagues gave the entire department something to be proud of. Although their actions were done as a matter of caring rather than publicity, they were able to show a seldom seen side of police officers and emergency workers. Officer Madison is deserving of this special award." Chief Keith said, "Officer Madison along with all the "Santa Helpers" went above and beyond the call of duty. Their actions are nothing short of exemplary." Officer Madison will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Ruby Tuesday Restaurant.