CENTRALIA — The Centralia Police Department recently initiated a new program to recognize the outstanding performance of officers of the department who stand out amongst their peers.

According to CPD, recognition will be given to a sworn patrol officer each month for the contributions they made which promote safety, resolve crime, and/or improve community interaction.

Proactive/self-initiated activity is also a determining factor, with shift commanders asked to nominate one officer per month for recognition. At the end of the year, this program will be a factor in identifying the officer of the year.

This month, SRO/Patrolman John Hinkel is the first recipient of the Patrolman of the Month Award.

SRO Hinkel was nominated, says CPD, due to his efforts investigating a theft case in January, which involved several juveniles.

He reportedly took the initial complaint and investigated the matter from beginning to end.

He identified eight individuals involved and enrolled them in the CPD diversion program as a result.

In addition, Hinkle implemented a program with some of our schools to recognize a student each month for a Random Act of Kindness (RAK’d) award and conducted 64 directed patrols.