Rotary Club is honoring Green Bay Police Department Officer Aaron Walker for his excellence in Public Safety
The excellence in Public Safety Award has been developed by the Rotary Club of Green Bay to honor an individual in the Green Bay Community who exemplifies what it means to dedicate their lives personally and professionally to the community. In addition, it recognizes people who go above and beyond their basic job description to develop and improve community unity, effect positive change, and inspire a lasting impact in our Green Bay community. This award recognizes people who exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”
The Rotary Club of Green Bay approached the Green Bay Police Department in November to nominate someone who works within the department for this inaugural award. In conferring with members of the Command Staff, Officer Aaron Walker was presented to Rotary to be the first recipient of this award.
The Rotary Club of Green Bay is pleased to accept this recommendation and will be presenting Officer Walker with this award at their weekly club meeting today.
Prior to starting his law enforcement career, Officer Walker served in the United States Army for six years. We want to thank him and all veterans for their service as we acknowledge and honor the sacrifices they made for us and our freedoms. Following an honorable discharge, Officer Walker was welcomed into the Green Bay Police Family in April of 2015. Over the last three years, Officer Walker has shown what it means to lead by example. As a night shift officer, he is a peer leader on that shift. He was selected as a “field training officer” (FTO). Being an FTO is a big responsibility as the officer is trusted to teach, train, and mentor new officers to a successful career. Not everyone can be or are selected to be a FTO. It takes a special officer to do this job, as it requires patience, skill, and the ability to impart to fellow officers. Officer Walker excels at this and welcomes new recruits with a positive attitude and a willingness to help.
When Officer Walker is not training, he is a leader among his peers on the night shift. Night Shift Capt. Todd LePine describes Officer Walker as “an individual who does the right thing for the right reasons, has qualities which make him an unselfish person and a tremendous employee.”
No matter what job, task or mission Officer Walker faces, he welcomes the challenge with a positive attitude and a big smile. Officer Walker’s actions go above and beyond what is expected. As a night shift officer, he spends his off time (during the day), at Washington Middle School having lunch with students. Over the last two years, there have been several instances of problems at this school. Officer Walker took the initiative to be part of the change he hopes to see at this school.
He is establishing relationships with these kids to break through the social barriers between police and youth in our community. “Officer Walker personifies excellence in public safety and community service,” said Police Chief Andrew Smith. “He not only has dedicated his life to this country and community, he continues to serve others, especially our youth.”
Officer Walker’s work in the community is commendable and worthy of this award. Just like Officer Walker, there are many more officers that are doing great work daily, changing lives, and having a lasting effect on our community. Officer Walker’s work, like all Green Bay Police Officer’s work is consistent with the mission of Rotary “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
The award presentation will be at the Rotary Club of Green Bay’s weekly Monday meeting on December 10th at the Hyatt Regency at 333 Main St. Rotary club meetings begin at noon with the award presentation anticipated to be between12:30-1:00 PM. Rotary club members and Officer Walker will be available for comment after 1:00 PM. Please direct all media inquiries to this date and time.
Address/Location
Green Bay Police Department
307 South Adams Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 920-448-3200
Kevin Warych
[email protected]
920-448-3082