admin posted on August 15, 2012 06:29
The employees of the Matthews Police Department have chosen the Police Officer of the Year and the Police Support Person of the Year. Each year officers in the department vote to honor two of their peers with these honors.
Officer Lance Paugh is the Police Officer of the Year. A native of New York, Lance served in the U.S. Marine Corp for six years where he saw action in the Gulf War, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After serving in the military he owned and operated a chain of gyms before deciding he would like to have a career in law enforcement.
He completed his basic law enforcement training at South Piedmont Community College and joined the Matthews Police Department in 2009. Lance is a patrol officer and is child seat certified and a member of the Special Response Team and Bike Patrol.
“This is the best job. I have found my calling and every day I look forward to coming to work. I enjoy helping the people of Matthews especially helping parents when they come to us and have no idea how to install their child’s car seat in their vehicle. I am able to help them and it is very rewarding,” Lance commented.
He is married to Jennifer and they are active in their community.
Shelley Kerns is the Police Support Person of the Year. Shelley joined the Matthews Police Department three years ago as a telecommunicator. Prior to joining the department she owned/operated a construction business with her husband. She also worked in the insurance business.
“I really enjoy my position here. I love to serve people and this job goes hand in hand with my personal life of helping people and problem solving in order to determine the best way to serve the people who are calling us for help,” said Shelley.
A native of Cabarrus County she is an active member of her church, First Assembly Church of Albemarle, where she is the youth leader for middle schoolers, a member of the praise team and choir and she does the catering for church events.
She and her husband, Jamie, have two daughters, one who is serving in the U.S. Marines and the other is in middle school.