Albany Exchange Club honors high-achieving law enforcement at 2023 Officer Awards

ALBANY – The Exchange Club of Albany celebrated exemplary members of local law enforcement agencies with the club’s 2023 Officer of the Year Awards.

Jack Roberts, the crime prevention Chairman for the Exchange Club who served in law enforcement for about 40 years, said each year the Exchange Club likes to recognize what law enforcement does for the community. Crime prevention is one of the club’s pillars.

“We want to thank, especially, our law enforcement for the job you do, for the dedication you’ve shown our community but also the families,” he said. “When you’re married to a law enforcement officer, you’re part of that.”

Five officers were recognized by their commanding officers or department heads. Each officer was presented a plaque and cash award to honor his exemplary service.

Game Warden Keith Boatright was selected as the recipient for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Deputy Michael Hefton was selected as the recipient for the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office. Ptl. Melvin Stultz was the recipient for the Dougherty County Police Department. Trooper Justin Lewis was selected for the Georgia State Patrol. Sgt. Horacio Paige was recognized by the Albany Police Department.

Boatright works the DNR’s Region 5, which covers 31 southwest Georgia counties from Brooks County to Macon County. In the 10 years he’s served, he’s earned numerous regional, state and one national award. The state awards are the 2021 Rocky Wainwright Award, State Waterfowl Enforcement Officer of the Year and the 2022 Torch Award. In 2002, Gov. Brian Kemp presented the Governor’s Public Safety Award to Boatright and his team for a rescue they performed for a hunter during a winter storm.

Sgt. Tony Cox with the DNR said these awards are just a small reflection of the effort Boatright puts forth each day he puts on his uniform. While Boatright is leaving Region 5, he said his time in southwest Georgia was an awesome experience and something he’ll remember forever.

Hefton was recognized alongside his K9, Maverick, whom he called his “right-hand dog.”

He started his career at the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 as a detention officer. He went to the police academy and graduated in 2019. He was assigned to the uniform division in 2022 and competitively selected as the first K9 deputy.

Hefton trained with Maverick in Wisconsin for five weeks, specializing in explosive detection, article search and tracking. He was voted by his peers to be the 2023 employee of the year.

Dougherty County Sheriff Kevin Sproul called Hefton a go-getter.

“He has that attitude,” Sproul said. “He’s known for always being in the right place at the right time. He’s a team player. He’s definitely an asset to our community.”

Stultz has been in law enforcement for five years and with the Dougherty County Police Department for three of those years. He provides law enforcement instruction and demonstration for Albany State University students. He volunteers to serve as a member of the Dougherty County Police Department Training Committee, among other duties.

Dougherty County Police Chief Kenneth Johnson said Stultz is an example of what officers should be by being professional, knowledgeable and maintaining the peace within the community.

Lewis is known around the Georgia State Patrol Office for his ability to track down stolen cars. He started his career at the Cordele Police Department and served and worked his way up to Sheriff’s deputy.

“We wouldn’t be anything if it wasn’t for these local agencies,” Lewis said to the Exchange Club. “You all are a blessing.”

Albany Police Chief Michael Persley introduced Paige.

“For someone who is young in experience … understanding the complexities and challenges in law enforcement can be daunting,” Persley said. “Those who are able to grasp these concepts can excel and be a force to be recognized with. Sgt. Horatio Paige is one of those who understands.”

The police chief said Paige is smart, intelligent and committed to the pursuit of excellence.

“And as we say in southwest Georgia – humble as all get out,” Persley said.

The APD chief said two years ago Paige led a successful prosecution of one of Albany’s more notorious gangs, which resulted in 40 people being indicted.

“His work ethic speaks a lot of his character,” Persley said.

The Exchange Club also recognized five officers who died in the line of duty in 2023.

Chuck Knight, executive pastor at Porterfield United Methodist Church, said these officers remind people that serving as a police officer is not just a job but a calling.

“They exemplify bravery by facing the unknown,” Knight said. “Their legacy lives on and is a testament to their sacrifice.”