West Melbourne cop takes honors

WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - West Melbourne Police announced on Wednesday that Officer Jason Campbell has been selected as the Lee McGehee Police Officer of the Year for 2008 by the Florida Police Chief's Association (FPCA). Officer Campbell competed with other officers from agencies of similar size. Campbell is a Field Training Officer (instructor of newly assigned officers), a Patrol Officer, a Firearms Instructor, a Defensive Tactics Instructor, a Taser Instructor and a K9 Instructor/Handler.

"I am extremely proud of FTO Jason Campbell," said West Melbourne Police Chief Brian K. Lock. "Jason epitomizes all of the qualities that we want in a law enforcement officer and we are extremely fortunate to have him in West Melbourne."

The agency cited numerous occasions when Campbell and his K9 partner, Razor, teamed up to track and capture fleeing criminals, solve major crimes and recover valuable stolen property. Palm Bay Police requested Campbell's assistance in locating a murder suspect who had fled on foot during a traffic stop. Campbell also participated in several community functions including K9 demonstrations at schools and the Police Department Open House.

The Florida Police Chiefs Association established the Police Officer of the Year Award in 1998 to recognize police officers who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and shown a genuine commitment to their profession.