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On Tuesday, the Optimist Club of LaGrange presented its annual Police Officer and City Firefighter of the Year awards at the LaGrange City Council meeting.

The award was created in 1965 by Optimist International as part of their Respect for Law program. The idea for the Respect for Law program came from a meeting with J. Edgar Hoover and the president of Optimist International at the time.

Optimist International wanted to create an award that could be used by local organizations to highlight the good work local law enforcement does in communities all over the world. Since its inception, the Respect for Law program has been an important part of the LaGrange Optimist Club.

The club initially recognized members of the LaGrange Police Department and Troup County Sheriff’s Office but following the tragic events of September 11, the club felt added firefighters to the recognitions as well.

“The awards program is a highlight of the local club’s annual agenda and it is our honor to work with the police and fire chief and recognize one of our own hardworking public servants who have gone above and beyond in their line of duty,” said Hill Daniel, Vice President of the LaGrange Optimist Club.

The individuals recognized truly make LaGrange a brighter and more optimistic place for our youth, Daniel said.

Cpl. Wesly Engle was named Police Officer of the Year for his outstanding work with the LaGrange Police Department.

Engle returned to LPD in August of 2023 and never stopped looking for more ways to help the members of our community or his peers. He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of traffic enforcement and works tirelessly to ensure that the streets of LaGrange are safe for everyone

Engle has recently completed all the requirements for promotion to sergeant and was appointed to the position of Field Training Officer.

“Corporal Wesley Engle is truly an essential member of our police force and our community and the Optimist Club is happy to recognize him as the City of LaGrange Police Officer of the Year,” Daniel said.

“Wesley is a great police officer, a good friend and a tremendous asset to the community. He has the same smile you see now whether he’s dealing with pleasant things or unpleasant. You never see a difference,” Police Chief Garrett Fiveash said. “We’re very glad to have him back.”

Jordan Morrison, who was named City Firefighter of the Year, will be featured along with the upcoming Deputy and County Firefighter of the Year in a future edition.