Bayfield Marshal Joe McIntyre and Bayfield deputies were recognized at the Tuesday evening town board meeting for an award from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police as an extraordinary agency in a small town.
The CACP American Spirit Award is for any agency serving a population of less than 10,000 for professional contributions to law enforcement while limited in resources, manpower, and finances. The award is for agencies that don't let those factors inhibit them in seeking to provide more than basic services.
The award goes to a small agency that ascribes to high standards, sets and attains high performance goals, and provides the community with uncompromisingly professional service despite adversity. Award criteria include service, standards, attained goals, professionalism, dedication to training, and a reputation for overcoming manpower, financial, resource or other limitations to provide professional service and programs not commonly found in traditional small agencies.
Town Manager Chris La May read the letter he wrote in support of the award. "Under the guidance of Town Marshal Joe McIntyre, the Bayfield Marshal's Office exemplifies all that is good in law enforcement. The department exudes professionalism through and through, and sets the standard for 21st Century law enforcement service throughout the region," he wrote.
He continued, "The Bayfield Marshal's Office is well received in the community by local business owners and residents... from the Pine River seniors to the students in the early education programs. The recent addition of a School Resource Officer in the Bayfield School District has provided a positive perception of law enforcement with youth in the community by providing educational instruction, resources, and good role modeling. The SRO has also implemented a Junior Police Academy helping promote the profession and responsible personal conduct."
McIntyre stressed that the award was for the entire department, not just him.
"As individuals, we all have the opportunity to shine," he said, adding that the department has gone three years without any complaints against a deputy. As an example of community service, he read a letter of thanks about the newest deputy, Joe Hochanadel, from someone who met Hochanadel in a traffic stop. "Thank you for hiring such a nice man," the letter said.
An audience member who has trouble dealing with fireworks explosions because of his experiences in the Vietnam war thanked McIntyre for coming to his house Monday to remind him of the fireworks, and that he and his dog should leave town for that time. "I want to thank him. I don't know how you guys could have picked a better man for the job," he told town trustees.
