Three Smithville Police Officers Receive Commendations for Outstanding Service

Three members of the Smithville Police Department have been commended for “Outstanding Service” in the line of duty.
Officers James Cornelius and Andy Snow along with Sergeant Travis Bryant were recognized by Captain Steven Leffew, Officer in Charge, during a meeting of police department staff Wednesday afternoon at city hall. Mayor Jimmy Poss and Alderman and Police Commissioner Jason Murphy were also there for the occasion.
Both Officers Cornelius and Snow were commended for their response to a fire at City Walk Apartments on East Bryant Street in January 2012 where they entered the burning building in search of anyone who might need help getting out. Sergeant Bryant’s commendation was for his professionalism as the department’s evidence custodian in keeping files in order and properly secured.
While separate commendation certificates were presented to Officers Cornelius and Snow, they both read the same as follows:
“On behalf of the City of Smithville Police Department, I would like to commend you for your recent efforts in your capacity as a Smithville Police Officer.”
“On January 14, 2012, the Smithville Police Department and the Smithville Fire Department responded to 911 calls of a fully engulfed fire at an apartment complex. Officer James Cornelius and Officer Andy Snow were the first to arrive on the scene and with reports there could still be residents inside and without hesitation they entered the complex in search of anyone who may need help.”
“It’s initiatives like this that will distinguish Smithville Police Officers as friends and protectors and will take our police department to a higher level of excellence. You have served with distinction and you are a credit to the Smithville Police Department.”
“Officer Cornelius and Officer Snow, for your outstanding service you are hereby formally recognized and commended with a copy of this commendation becoming a part of your permanent personnel file. Congratulations and keep up the good work.”
The commendation to Sergeant Bryant states as follows:
“On behalf of the City of Smithville Police Department, I would like to commend you for your recent efforts in your capacity as a Smithville Police Officer and Evidence Custodian. Speaking from experience, I (Captain Leffew) know how demanding proper evidence management can be. Recently I conducted a random and unannounced inspection of the evidence/property room. Random case numbers were selected and all pieces of evidence were found to be both secure and in its proper location. Evidence files and property were also found to be in order. I found that all security measures were being maintained.”
“Your determination and efforts in the continued performance of your duties exemplify your outstanding work ethic. The integrity you have shown as evidence custodian enables the citizens of Smithville and your fellow coworkers to know that the Smithville Police Department is continuously striving for quality service.”
‘Sergeant Bryant, for your outstanding service you are hereby formally recognized and commended with a copy of this commendation becoming a part of your permanent personnel file”.
“Thank you for your service and congratulations on a job well done”.
The commendations to all three officers were signed by Captain Leffew, Mayor Poss, and Police Commissioner Murphy.
(PICTURED: STANDING- Captain Steven Leffew, Sergeant Travis Bryant, Officer Andy Snow, and Officer James Cornelius. SEATED: Mayor Jimmy Poss and Alderman/Police Commissioner Jason Murphy)