Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Reserve Officer Gary Cinnamon the 2006 Knoxville Police  Department's Reserve Officer of the Year. Officer Cinnamon retired from KPD in April 2000 after serving more than 25 years as an officer.

Chief Owen said that Officer Cinnamon is a great example of what the Reserve Unit is all about - volunteering their time to the citizens of Knoxville. Officer Cinnamon will gladly do anything that is requested of him to do. When he is called upon for service, he is always ready and willing to help. Officer Cinnamon has also volunteered his time to operate the prisoner transport wagon when other wagon drivers have been off for vacation.

Chief Owen said, "Officer Cinnamon's 25 years of police service as a full time officer before retiring from the KPD has been a big asset to the Reserve Unit. His experiences and comments are greatly welcomed and enjoyed by other reserves during their training sessions."

Mayor Haslam said, "We thank Officer Cinnamon for the time he has volunteered to the police department and to the citizens of Knoxville. Even after retirement, he has continued to do his part to make our community as safe as possible."

Officer Cinnamon will receive a signed certificate from the Mayor and Chief along with a free dinner from Puleo's Restaurant.