Schmidt, Rusher earn top TPD honors

Chief Larry Blagg presents Jonathan Schmidt with the 2008 Officer of the Year Award. Assistant Chief Tony Rusher (right) was awarded the first ever Chief's Award by Blagg. (Democrat photo/Mark Randall)

After all, why would anyone in their right mind want to quit a job at Nucor that paid three or four times more than a police officer would earn in a year unless they were crazy?

"I was worried about him," Blagg said. "I told him 'you spend more on gas going there than you'll make here in a year.' But I could see from the beginning that this was something he wanted to do and I knew his wife was going to have a great paying job when she graduated. So I thought I'd give him a chance."

And he's glad he did.

Schmidt was voted Officer of the Year by his peers after only two years on the job.

Blagg said Schmidt is known in the department as a go-getter and inspires his colleagues by his positive attitude.

"For a guy as new as he is to law enforcement, he really plays a great role in motivating others, almost like a leadership position," Blagg said. "A lot of guys look up to him -- even guys who have been with the department for a lot longer."

Each year members and employees of the Trumann Police Department nominate and vote on candidates to receive the top distinction.

Blagg said while he wishes he could give every office an award, Schmidt is highly deserving of the honor.

"I'm proud of him," Blagg said. "He's done a great job."

Schmidt, a Trumann native, said policing has always been something he wanted to do and is glad he has the chance to serve the people of his hometown.

The job also allows him to be closer to his wife and family without the added hassle of having to make the long commute.

"It feels real good," Schmidt said. "There were several other guys who were just as deserving as I was. I was very surprised when my name was called out at the Christmas party."

Blagg said he's glad he wasn't able to talk him out of joining the department.

"I thought when the new wears off he's going to be wondering' what have I done?' and then he's going to have to go back to being an adult and paying bills again,'" Blagg said. "There's a big difference when you from driving a Corvette to a Chevrolet. But when he went through the reserve class over at the county he really stayed close to us. I have no regrets."

Blagg also presented assistant police chief Tony Rusher with the first ever Chief's Award in recognition of his administrative accomplishments throughout the year on the department's behalf.

Rusher started out as a reserve office in 1992 and has worked full time for the department since 1998. He has been assistant chief the past four years.

Blagg said Rusher helps keep the department on an even keel and never lacks for leadership when he is out of town or away from the job.

"Between him and my secretary, Tony is the go-to guy," Blagg said. "He's great.

Rusher said he was completely taken by surprise by the honor.

"It means a lot," Rusher said. "It makes you feel appreciated."