The honor has been around for some time, but never had a Bridgeport Police Officer been nominated for it. That changed this year, according to Jack Gerrard.

 

Gerrard, who sits on the executive committee of Bridgeport American Legion Post 68 and is a past state commander as well, said the local group decided to make a nomination for the West Virginia officer of the year. So far, the group is batting 1000.

 

At July’s American Legion West Virginia convention, Bridgeport Police Officer Aaron Lantz earned the honor of West Virginia Police Officer of the Year. He was recognized Tuesday at the Post 68 office off Airport Road.

 

“His work on the police force and the public through community events is what helped him stand out,” said Gerrard. “He does an outstanding job not only with the police department, but with civic affairs.”

 

Gerrard said Lantz was chosen after a committee reviewed applications statewide. From there, a winner was chosen.

 

“It’s always an honor to see an organization like the American Legion recognize one of your own and to see them earn the award,” said Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker. “Officer Lantz is certainly deserving. His work, particularly on drug interdictions, is critical to serving the public.”

 

Lantz is involved deeply with battling drug woes in the city, county and region. Walker said Lantz is a member of the MHIT (Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team) South and that the group serves with multiple agencies including the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.

 

“They target specific areas … and have a lot of training to deal with drug interdiction,” said Walker. “There’s not a week that goes by they don’t make an arrest or recover illegal narcotics, or both. He’s right in the middle of it.”

 

Lantz will be a five-year member of the department this November. He arrived from Elkins after serving on its police force for a year and a half he said. He’s glad to be in Bridgeport.

 

“I felt like it was a better opportunity and my family is in the area and wanted to get back here. On top of that, Bridgeport is the premier agency to work for,” said Lantz.

 

While happy to be closer to his family, Lantz was also happy to receive the recognition.

 

“I was shocked. It’s very humbling. It’s an honor to just be considered by an organization of men and women who served the country let alone in it,” said Lantz. “Knowing these men and women still serve through outreach and other efforts makes it even more special.”

 

Lantz said MHIT keeps him busy. He’s part of a unit that includes a Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Deputy and a West Virginia State Trooper.

 

“Right now, we’re working mainly on tips we receive from the community. I think word has gotten out about our work because we’re all over the county and the region,” said Lantz.

 

For Tuesday, he was stationed squarely in Bridgeport.

 

“I’m very happy it went to someone local, especially since It’s never been submitted before,” said Gerrard.

 

Lantz will be honored by the West Virginia American Legion at its min-winter convention in February. That will take place at Oglebay Park in Wheeling and Gerrard said Lantz will be submitted for the Legion’s National Police Officer of the Year honor as well.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Officer Aaron Lantz making a call from his squad car, while he's shown in the middle receiving his honor. From left is Post 68 Commander David Hayes, Lantz, Post 68's Jack Gerrard, and Chief John Walker. Bottom photo shows Lantz going through drugs he recovered during a stop earlier this year.