Crestview PD Reserve officer honored

Crestview Police Reserves officer, Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Harder, center, was one of five finalists for the Okaloosa County Officer of the Year award. He is flanked by 96th Security Forces Squadron Master Sgt. Michael Gomez, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy José Pereira, award winner Officer Kendra Stalls of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, and Staff Sgt. Nathan Koenig, who also serves with Harder on the 9th Security Forces. [BRIAN HUGHES | Special to the News Bulletin]

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview Police Department Reserves officer was one of five finalists for the 2016 Okaloosa County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award introduced at the 15th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon.

During the May 23 event at the Niceville Community Center, Master Sgt. Michael Harder, who is also an assistant CPD S.W.A.T. team leader, joined fellow Eglin Air Force Base 96th Security Forces Squadron sergeants Michael Gomez and Nathan Koenig among the nominees.

Also nominated were former Crestview Police officer, now Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy José Pereira, and Fort Walton Beach Police officer Kendra Stalls, who won the award.

Hosted by Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley and his chaplaincy staff, the yearly

luncheon honors fallen law enforcement officers from across the state as well as those currently serving their communities.

Capt. Larry Ward, commander of the OCSO Crestview station, cooked a well-received smoked barbecue lunch with sides and bread pudding for dessert. Famed Arkansas Razorbacks radio announcer Chuck Barrett delivered the after-lunch address.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview PD Reserve officer honored