Montgomery named Law Officer of the Year
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May 7—LIMA — Lima Police Investigator Aaron Montgomery said it felt like a big thank you to be named the Lima Exchange Club's Jack Somerville Law Officer of the Year on Wednesday afternoon.
The club recognized Montgomery for his work on multiple task forces and for recently helping to save an unconscious elderly woman at Bowling Green State University's graduation ceremony.
"The limelight is an enjoyable thing, and I appreciate it because it means a lot to me, but I almost don't want it on me," Montgomery said. "We're a family of law enforcement and my children, wife, mom and dad have endured a lot for the last 17 years including long shifts."
The club also held a remembrance ceremony in which LPD Chief James Baker shared a message encouraging the audience to remember the past.
"Remembering your past is foundational to your future," Baker said. "Sometimes when you get into the day-to-day, you forget. You ask why you stood before a judge and take an oath toward your life, and it's good to remember."
Montgomery took Baker's words to heart, reflecting on his time in law enforcement.
"It was something I was always intrigued by, along with the physical and mental aspects," he said. "I've always enjoyed that I can carry on a conversation with anybody. I've always had the ability to be involved with different walks of life."
Montgomery is a graduate of Bluffton High School and Rhodes State College and has served with LPD since 2008.
A certified K9 trainer, Montgomery has also served on the SWAT team, the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force and as a field training officer.
The Exchange Club also accepted a nomination from Allen County Sheriff's Deputy Damian Tibbs.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
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