Officer of the year

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - North Little Rock Police Officer Tommy Norman is the American Legion Department of Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer-of-the-Year. Norman received the award during a special Ceremony, Saturday, at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel. In addition, Officer Norman's name will be submitted to the American Legion National Headquarters as a nominee for the 2013 National Law Enforcement Officer-of-the-Year.

A patrol officer since 1998, Officer Norman is well-known in North Little Rock for his community service. Local children know him from the "Back-to-School" event where he distributes backpacks and sneakers to children in need, or as the lead officer for the Star Student Program at local schools. During the holidays, Officer Norman coordinates community programs such as "Shop With a Cop," which he established five (5) years ago, and the "Season of Giving," which he created 12 years ago. When Officer Norman is not patrolling, you can usually find him involved in volunteer work, as he raises money for the Special Olympics by participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run or with Krispy Krème's "Cops on Top" fundraiser.

Officer Norman’s supervisors say he builds "lasting relationships" with community residents and is a remarkable role model for children; however, the far-reaching word on the street about Officer Norman even compelled a murder suspect in a neighboring city in 2001 to find Officer Norman , who then facilitated his surrender to authorities.

The American Legion Department of Arkansas bestows its Law Enforcement Officer-of-the-Year Award to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements expected of his or her position, and has demonstrated a distinct pattern of community service coupled with professional achievement.