Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Officer Robert (Bobby) Solomon the Knoxville Police Department's 2006 Officer of the Year. Officer Solomon has been with the Knoxville Police Department since November 1986 and is currently the Property Manager of the Property Unit.

Chief Owen said the selection of Officer Solomon as the Officer of the Year was not due to a single incident, but is based on a yearlong dedication to the Knoxville Police Department.

Over the course of the past year, Officer Solomon has implemented several programs that had been previously delayed due to various issues. Reverse audits, elimination of non-evidentiary property, timely destruction of drugs and firearms, and reorganization of evidence to aid in accurate placement and retrieval have occurred under Officer Solomon's watch.

Chief Owen said, "Since Officer Solomon has taken over as the Property Manager, the regular Audits and Inspections along with the CALEA assessments have been positive and complimentary."

In addition to his Property Unit duties, Officer Solomon has assisted as the Assistant Driving Instructor at the department's driving training facility. In that role he acts in a supervisory capacity for recruit, in-service, and Citizens Police Academy training. He has also been a lead instructor for the Collision Avoidance Training (CAT) program where he instructs teenagers in collision avoidance training on weekends.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Solomon consistently demonstrates a commitment and dedication to the department that models our Operational Philosophy which says: Do the right thing, Do the very best each day, and Treat others as you want to be treated."

Mayor Haslam said, "Officer Solomon's outstanding performance indicates his commitment to this department and to the citizens we serve."

Officer Solomon will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Puleo's Restaurant. All Officers of the Month and Civilian Employees of the Month for 2006 are being honored today.

They include:
Greg Coker Donna Patty Robert Taylor
Janice Marston John Williams June Fulford
David Ogle Karen Mitchell Eric Parks
Karen Ellis Robert Blevins Diane Lewis
Richard Giammarino Zach Williams (Cadet) Vicky Dagnan
Pat Nicley Brad Boruff Brandon Glover
Deborah Thomas Adam Moore Phil Jinks
Jonne Crick Richard Wallace Michael Price
Gene Sasscer Marcie Alls-Stubblefield