Media

Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Chosen as “Officer of the Year” by National Rifle Association

Release Date: April 7, 2003

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell, Jr. announced today that a deputy from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized as a national award winner from the National Rifle Association. Deputy Kevin Helms has been chosen by the NRA as “Officer of the Year” for 2002. Deputy Helms, currently assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, was chosen by the NRA for his bravery stemming from a shooting incident in January 2002 during a traffic stop.

The shooting happened at Houston Levee at Walnut Grove. Deputy Helms had stopped to assist a motorist whose car was creating a traffic hazard. He approached the car. When he got to the driver’s window, the man inside the car pulled a gun and shot Deputy Helms once in the chest. Fortunately, Deputy Helms was not seriously injured since he was wearing a bullet proof vest. Then, he barely escaped a second shot when that bullet struck his radio microphone that was clipped to his uniform just inches from his face.

Deputy Helms has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1997. Besides his current position in Uniform Patrol, he worked in the Fugitive Squad, Street Crimes Unit, Community Policing and Court Services. During his career, he has made more than 300 arrests and seized large amounts of illegal drugs and cash involved in street crimes. Deputy Helms has also been part of the Sheriff’s Office Pistol Team where he has earned many honors.

The National Rifle Association starting giving the “Officer of the Year Award” in 1993 to recognize exceptional valor and public service. The NRA will officially present the award to Deputy Helms later this year.

“I’m so proud of Deputy Helms. All of us at the Sheriff’s Office celebrate with him at this time of national recognition,” said Sheriff Mark Luttrell, Jr.

A reception for Deputy Helms will be held at the Sheriff’s Office Substation in Arlington, 11670 Memphis Arlington Road, on April 9 at 3:00 p.m.

The media is invited to attend this event. Sheriff Luttrell will be proclaiming April 9 as “Deputy Kevin Helms Day” in Shelby County.

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