SPD honors Hofmann as 2019 Officer of the Year

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SIDNEY — Sidney Police Officer Jon Hofmann has been named Sidney Police Department’s 2019 Officer of the Year.

Police Chief Will Balling presented Hofmann with the honor during Monday’s Sidney City Council meeting.

Balling said Hofmann’s dedication to duty, self motivation, performance and job knowledge is outstanding. One of Hofmann’s supervisors, Balling said, is impressed with Hofmann’s ability to communicate with the public during stressful situations. He further noted that Hofmann’s work ethic “consistently represents the department’s core values.”

Police Sgt. Jeremy Lorenzo, who is one Hofmann’s current supervisors, helped Balling present the award to Hofmann. Lorenzo praised Hofmann’s work and called him the “definition of a team player.”

“Jon is extremely gifted in dealing with individuals who are extremely volatile. If you heard this music this guy plays, you would probably understand why he is probably good at it,” Lorenzo joked. “And that’s probably why he was selected as one of our hostage negotiators. When there is an extremely dangerous situation, and let’s say unfortunately somebody has taken somebody hostage, or is in some type of serious crisis, Jon is one of the guys that we call and say ‘we need to you talk to this guy’ and get them out of there safely. And that shows you the trust we have in Jon and his abilities.”

Hofmann was hired in 2001, by former Police Chief Steve Wearly, and quickly showed his passion for helping others and for youth sports. Balling said, Hofmann was able to utilize those skills by working as a community resource office and a school resource officer for several years.

Currently Hofmann is assigned to day shift patrol. He also is a driving instructor, forensic interviewer and is a hostage negotiator for the department, Balling said.

He and his wife Monica have two sons.

In conjunction with Hofmann’s award, Mayor Mike Barhorst also presented Balling a proclamation declaring May 15, 2019, as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week of May 12-18, 2019 as Police Week in the city of Sidney.

Barhorst said it is important that citizens know and understand the duties and responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the problems they face discharging their duties, as well as the necessity for citizens to cooperate with officers in their efforts to maintain law and order.

“President John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed public law 87-54 on April 10, 1962, proclaiming May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and each year thereafter, and the week containing May 15 as National Police Week,” he said. “Through the constant application of new technology, procedures and techniques, our officers are becoming ever more proficient in their enforcement of the law.”

He said it is fitting and proper to express gratitude for law enforcement officers’ dedicated service, in Sidney and beyond, for their contributions to the security and well-being of all citizens.

Police Chief Will Balling, lefts, receives a proclamation declaring May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week as May 12-18, 2019, in the city of Sidney during Monday’s Sidney City Council meeting.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/05/web1_Police-week.jpgPolice Chief Will Balling, lefts, receives a proclamation declaring May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week as May 12-18, 2019, in the city of Sidney during Monday’s Sidney City Council meeting. Sheryl Roadcap| Sidney Daily News

Sidney Police Sgt. Jeremy Lorenzo, left, helps present Officer Jon Hofmann, center, with Sidney Police Department’s 2019 Officer of the Year award from Police Chief Will Balling, right, during Monday’s Sidney City Council meeting.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2019/05/web1_PO-of-the-Year.jpgSidney Police Sgt. Jeremy Lorenzo, left, helps present Officer Jon Hofmann, center, with Sidney Police Department’s 2019 Officer of the Year award from Police Chief Will Balling, right, during Monday’s Sidney City Council meeting. Sheryl Roadcap| Sidney Daily News

By Sheryl Roadcap

[email protected]

Reach the writer at 937-538-4823.

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