Brandon Twp.- From the hallways of Brandon Schools, to coaching sports to youth assistance’Brandon deputy Arnie Terrell has devoted his life to law enforcement.
His numerous accomplishments and commitment was recognized recently earning him Officer of the Year by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Awards Council.
The detective and Brandon Schools liaison officer was to be given the award at the ‘National Law Enforcement Week? Awards Day Ceremony on May 19 at the Board of Commissioner’s Auditorium in Pontiac.
Terrell, who investigates all crimes against children and by children, does prevention programs on bullying and shoplifting, and works in an intervention program with the Oakland County Youth Assistance, says it is nice to receive the recognition.
‘It really means a lot to me, more than you could ever know,? said Terrell, who notes he has a lot of cases, but wouldn’t have it any other way. ‘I enjoy what I’m doing. Brandon Schools has been a great place to work.?
The award, which includes a certificate, plaque and uniform bar, is given for overall attitude, work record, and image during the entire year and recognizes outstanding service. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Terrell was chosen for the award ‘out of hundreds eligible? by a nine-member awards council. Nominations were received in March and the decision was made in April to honor Terrell.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tim McIsaac, substation commander, nominated Terrell, who has worked in Brandon for two years.
‘He went above and beyond the call of duty in his work in the community and personal life,? said McIsaac. ‘He gets along tremendously well with school officials, staff and students.?
McIsaac also noted that Terrell, a father of two, coaches baseball and basketball and is a Boy Scout leader.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard also had words of praise for Terrell.
?(The awards council) feels he consistently does a good job,? Bouchard said. ‘He has a large case load and is involved in the community. We appreciate people giving back to the community when they are off-duty as well as on.?
Although the award is for work within the past year, Bouchard, McIsaac and Terrell all acknowledge to some extent it is a recognition too of career achievement.
‘It’s a hard award to win,? said Terrell, a 19-year police veteran’seven of those as a detective. ‘I am proud of it, especially under all the circumstances.?
Nearly two years ago, Terrell and Deputy Todd Wood were involved in the shooting death of 16-year-old Milford High School student Christopher Drypen. Wood and Terrell were cleared of any wrongdoing by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and prosecutors. In February, Oakland County settled with the Drypen family out-of-court for $4 million.
‘I don’t think (the council) specifically considered the incident,? said Bouchard, ‘but anytime someone has difficulties they’ve had to overcome, but manage to persevere and still shine and put in a stellar performance then they look at that and say ‘wow.? (Terrell) did it when the going wasn’t easy.?
McIsaac is glad to have him in Brandon.
‘I think he’s a great police officer,? he said, ‘but more importantly, he’s a wonderful person.?