Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller tells KNIA/KRLS News that his department wanted to recognize officers for all the great things they do.

The police department announced their Officer of the Year Award, which went to Joe Wepler. There were many other awards announced.

Fuller tells KNIA/KLRLS News why the department presents the awards, “A couple of years ago we decided to, with everything that was going on in the world. Especially related to law enforcement, really, impacted our guys and probably law enforcement across the country.”

Physical Fitness Awards were earned by Officer Wepler, Officer Cody Nichol, Officer Brandon Hills and Lieutenant Eric How.

Commendation Awards went to Officer Kyle Eastwood and Chief Fuller. The rest of the honors were Merit to Officer Amber Santoro, Valor to Officer Brandon Hills and Life Saving by Lieutenant Corey Derby.