Sergeant who helped boy battling cancer chosen as CPD Officer of the Year

 

A police sergeant who developed a friendship with a 10-year-old boy battling cancer has been named Officer of the Year by the Clinton Police Department.

Clinton Police Chief Rick Scarbrough said his memory of Joseph Dillman, a 10-year-old South Clinton Elementary student who passed away following a courageous battle with cancer, played a big part in choosing Sergeant Jason Stokes, this year’s CPD Officer of the Year.

“To select only one officer for our officer of the year is a challenge,” Scarbrough said in a press release. “We have a tremendous team and have many examples of the qualities required to receive the award. However, this year our department and community, were able to come together for young Joseph Dillman.

Joseph was an example of strength and courage, Scarbrough said.

“He became close to a lot of our officers, especially Sergeant Jason Stokes,” Scarbrough said. “Sergeant Stokes and many of our officers regularly spent time with Joseph. Most of the time spent was going to movies, ballgames, arcades, or maybe just taking Joseph for a meal with the guys.”

Stokes was also involved in organizing many of the public or community events for Joseph, such as the lawn mower races.

“Sergeant Stokes was also there for the many hospital stays,” Scarbrough said. “Being able to witness the officers spending time with Joseph was humbling. They were his ‘big brothers.'”

Stokes had the honor of developing a special relationship with Joseph, Scarbrough said.

“He gave all he had to the little guy and led many to follow!” the chief said. “It is for these reasons and many more police-related achievements that Sgt. Jason Stokes is our 2014-15 Officer of the Year!”

 

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