Canton Officers Recognized For Service To Community

Officers within the Canton Police Department earlier this month were recognized for their service to the community.

The Canton Moose Lodge held its annual public safety appreciation dinner and Detective Denis Hansen was given the Officer of the Year award. The award was accepted by Police Chief Robert Merchant, as Hansen was unable to attend the ceremony.

On Oct. 14, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution presented their Fire Safety Commendation Award to three members of the Canton Police Department: Jose Souto, Christine Hedmann and Jesse Hamilton.

Specifically, these officers were commended for displaying courage and valor when they risked their lives to save a disabled man from a fire earlier this year.

All three officers were awarded the department’s Life Saving Award on Aug. 21.

State Rep. Mandi Ballinger of Canton presented the resolution to the city of Canton, which recognized and commended the police department and its officers for “providing the community with capable and reliable public safety.”

The resolution also recognized the department’s leadership for providing effective and thorough training to its officers.

(Photo: Chief Robert Merchant, left, and detective Denis Hansen, who was given the Officer of the Year award at the Canton Moose Lodge’s annual public safety appreciation dinner. Credit: Canton police volunteer Stan Wilson)