Optimist Deputy of the Year Awards - 2009
The Memphis and Shelby County Optimist “Respect for the Law Committee,” made up of representatives of the 12 Optimist Clubs in Memphis and Shelby County, have named Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Travis Taylor as “Deputy of the Year”.
|
The Optimist Club has, since the 1960s, given awards to deserving officers for their exemplary service to the community. “We are grateful to the Optimist Club for taking time to honor Sergeant Taylor. He is an excellent officer and truly exemplifies the professional standards of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell, Jr.
SSergeant Taylor is assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Bureau, FBI Gang Task Force. Sergeant Taylor led two major drug investigations last year, Operation Titan and Operation Jetta. Operation Titan concluded with 70 arrests and the seizure of 6,000 pounds of marijuana. Additionally, twelve criminal enterprises involving street gangs, drug trafficking, alien smuggling and prostitution were dismantled or disrupted.
During Operation Jetta, also a drug case, 23 people were arrested and 40 kilograms of cocaine were seized along with 15 firearms. A marijuana growing operation was also dismantled as well as several drug trafficking enterprises.
“Every detective assigned to these investigations has stated that Sergeant Taylor has improved their ability as investigators and taught them valuable lessons that will improve and assist them for their entire careers. His outstanding mentorship will be felt in the department for decades to come,” said Inspector Mark Dunbar, who commands the Sheriff’s Special Operations Bureau.
Sergeant Taylor, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1975, will be honored at the Optimist “Officer of the Year” ceremony in the Sheriff’s Office Administrative Conference Room next Tuesday, May 12, 9th Floor, 201 Poplar Avenue, at 2 PM.
