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Rincon Police Department trio honored during council meeting
Darrien Vance
Lt. Daniel Thompson (left) presents the 2020 Officer of the Year Award to Darrien Vance during the Jan. 11 Rincon City Council meeting. - photo by Mark Lastinger/staff

RINCON — A trio of true-blue members of the Rincon Police Department were recognized during a Jan. 11 Rincon City Council meeting.

Lt. Daniel Thompson, acting on behalf of Chief Jonathan Murrell, told the council about the accomplishments of Officer Devonte Boddie, Officer Darrien Vance and Cpl. Kurtis Smith, who received awards during the department’s annual Christmas party last month.

“Every one of them go above and beyond their job,” Thompson said.

Boddie was named the 2020 rookie of the year.

“He came to us this year from the police academy locally,” Thompson said. “He has done a wonderful job engaging with the community and growing with the department. He has shown a desire to stay with the (City of Rincon) and we want to reward that kind of behavior.”

Vance, another recent addition to the department, was named 2020 officer of the year.

“This will probably be one of our leaders one day  in the department” Thompson said while introducing Vance.

Thompson called Vance a “go-to officer.”

“When we assign him a task, it is done proficiently, very well and professionally,” Thompson continued. “I have extreme confidence in Officer Vance.”

Smith received the Chief’s Exemplary Service Award.

“He has been like a brother to me,” Thompson said. “We went through a lot of training together. Had it not been for him, I probably wouldn’t be here doing what I am doing.”

Smith was honored for his many skills. Thompson referred to him as “my IT support guy.” The corporal also schedules training for the department.

“He stays on top of our guys for their yearly training and that is a huge headache,” Thompson said. “I am more than appreciative that he does that for us.”

The council applauded the winners.

“We are real proud of our department,” Mayor Ken Lee said. “I think you guys are evidence of the direction our department is headed.”