(Greensburg, IN) – Greensburg Police Detective Matt Terkhorn was named the 42nd Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Greensburg Optimist Club on Thursday.
Club president Taylor Gramman presented a plaque to Terkhorn during the event held at the Greensburg Community Bread of Life (pictured).
The award is presented each year to a police officer or sheriff’s deputy whose service and dedication reflect the Optimist Club’s values of optimism, cheerfulness, and commitment to others.
“It’s very neat to be amongst a list of other officers over the course of 42 years now, so, a very, very neat thing to be a part of,” Terkhorn said.
He was nominated for the award by St. Mary’s School Assistant Principal Staci Schutte as a way of recognizing his provision of a police presence at school and parish activities.
Schutte said Terkhorn helps the kids and staff feel safe.
Meanwhile, Terkorhn says he was surprised to hear his name called.
“I need to work on my investigative skills,” he joked. “My wife (Lauren), it sounds like the police department and Staci…I think they all arranged it and made this whole surprise up for me and they did a good job.”
Terkhorn was joined at the event by his family.
Remarks were also delivered by Police Chief Mike McNealy.
The award announcement was made at the beginning of the program by Optimist Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Committee Chair Dennis Fogle.
Several of Terkhorn’s Greensburg Police Department colleagues attended the event.
GPD says Terkhorn has been on the force for nine years.
The Greensburg Optimist Club has presented the award each year since 1985.
