Officer Cody Belcher Named Lilburn's Top Cop for 2013

Every day, Lilburn police work to keep the community safe. And now, the best of the best are being recognized by their peers in the Lilburn Police Department.

The winners of the 2013 Lilburn Police Service Awards were announced Thursday afternoon.

Officer Cody Belcher was named Police Officer of the Year. Belcher was selected for his professionalism and dedication to his career. A member of the Crime Suppression Unit, he is described as self-motivated and always going above and beyond the call of duty.

In the past year, Belcher has helped capture an employee allegedly stealing gas and another stealing steel to recycle for cash; arrest suspects who were trying to re-load gift cards at Walmart with fraudulent accounts; made a traffic stop which led to drug charges, finding a counterfeit bill and a handgun and more.

The Police Star Award is given to an officer who demonstrates bravery in highly dangerous situations. This year's award went to Officer Keith Boles. 

In March, Boles was called to the Family Dollar on Lawrenceville Highway for a robbery in progress. Boles and the suspect, Louis Richardson, both fell to the ground during the struggle and somehow Richardson grabbed a hold of the officer's taser and threatened Boles. The officer pulled out his gun and shot Richardson twice, injuring Richardson and ending the altercation.

Five members of LPD were honored with this year's Meritorious Service Award. They are Sgt Tim Haxton, Senior Investigator Kim Banks, Investigator Bert Ross, Officer Gary Livingston and Officer Julio Echevarria. The five played key roles in the arrest of two armed men who robbed the McDonald's on Lawrenceville Highway in July.

Other award winners include:

• Supervisor of the Year, Lt. Chris Dusik
• Top Gun Award, Captain Thom Bardugon
• Employee of the Quarter, Lt. Matt Price
  
• Lilburn Police Ambassador Award (Non-Sworn), Robin Miller
  
• Lilburn Police Ambassador (Sworn) Award, Captain Mike Johnson
  
• Chief's Award of Merit, Captain Thom Bardugon