Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Phil Keith today announced Knoxville Police Department Officer Clint Madison as the department's 2003 Officer of the Year. Officer Madison has been with the department since December 2002.

Chief Keith said from the start of Officer Madison's career with the Knoxville Police Department, he has demonstrated a constant desire to make our community a better placeto live and work. Officer Madison, who is assigned to the West District, was awarded the December2003 Officer of the Month Award for his caring. On December 23, 2003, officers responded to a residential burglary on McTeer Street. Severalhours later the burglary victim flagged down Officer Madison while he was on routine patrol.

The victim wanted to notify the officers that they had just noticed a handgun had also beenstolen in the earlier burglary. While gathering information about the missing gun, Officer Madison was drawn to the victim's four year-old daughter who was crying. All the child's Christmas presents had been stolen in theburglary. Officer Madison felt the need to help the saddened child. He purchased several giftsto help restore the child's faith. Chief Keith said, "Information leaked out about Officer Madison's actions.

The next thing you know other officers along with E-911 personnel were donating moneyand purchasing additional gifts for the family.""Officer Madison along with all the other contributors made a difference in thelife of this child and her family," said Chief Keith. Mayor Haslam said, "I'm proud that Officer Madison is in the ranks of Knoxville's finest. The actions of Officer Madison and his colleagues restored hope to a small child and her family."

Officer Madison will receive a signed certificate form the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Kingston Alley Grill. Other KPD Officers of the Month and Civilians being honored today include Phil Jinks, Ed Stair, J.J. Jones, Nevin Long, Jeff Hopkins, Brandon McCosh, Chris Jones, Stan Cash, Gordon Gwathney, Mick McCoig, Tom Epps, Susan Coker, Michael Ivester, Tom Sparks, Anthony Barnes, John Kiely, Chip Breanuer, Todd Gilreath and Larry Pickard.