The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, paid tribute to the men who serve as volunteer members of Atlantic Police Department Reserves and liaison officers. Mayor Dave Jones presented the group of 10 who were at the meeting, with a Distinguished Service award for their dedication, and exceptional professionalism displayed during the numerous 2016 programs in which they gave back countless hours to the citizens of Atlantic.

(2nd from the left) Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson, and members of the Police Reserve Unit

Jones said the Reserves won the Donald H. Mackemann Outstanding Unit Award from the Iowa State Reserve Officers Association. It was the sixth time the group had won the award since the Reserve Association was established in 1974.

The ISROA Award was presented last month during the organization’s 45th Annual Conference and Business meeting in West Des Moines. Atlantic Police Chief Dave Erickson spoke of the training, dedication and services provided by the volunteer Reserve members, not to mention the children’s and family programs they help to run. He said on average, most of the Reserves donate at least 300 hours per year to the City.

Erickson said the award wouldn’t be possible, “Without the good citizens of Atlantic donating money which we can take and turn back into the community for programs to take care of youth and the citizens of Cass County. A special thanks to everybody that donates. It’s greatly appreciated  from the bottom of our hearts for all the support we get.”

In addition to the Unit Distinguished Service Award, two Atlantic Reserve Officers received Certificates of Appreciation and a plaque from the Mayor and Police Chief, for Officer Robert “Bob” McHugh, for 20-years of volunteer service, which is more than 5,000 hours.

Reserve Officers McHugh (Left) and Hackwell (right)

Officer Jeff Hackwell received a similar certificate and plaque for his 10-years of service. And, the Mayor presented Chief Erickson with an award for his 20-years of service protecting the community.