A veteran Knoxville police officer has been recognized by other veterans for his nearly three decades of service to the community.

Ofc. Darrel Brown was presented on Saturday with the VFW’s Officer of the Year award for the State of Iowa; the state’s VFW organization chose him after he was named as the top first responder for this region…and he is now in the running for national consideration.

The Knoxville VFW Post hosted a District Meeting on Saturday; Mayor Brian Hatch and Police Chief Dan Losada were on hand for the presentation, honoring Ofc. Brown for the 28 years he’s put in serving the citizens of Knoxville.

He tells KNIA/KRLS News receiving this award is very humbling, and just as surprising as when he was recognized the first time around.

“The last time when they gave me the regional award, it was a very big surprise; I didn’t know anything about it. And then they said that they put me in for the state award, and when that came down it was really amazing,” Ofc. Brown says.

Ofc. Brown previously served in the National Guard, and says he’s always had an affinity for veterans; he’s not a member of the VFW, but may join in the future.

He is planning on retiring from the department this November.