(PHOTO: 2017 Top Cop Winner MPO Eli Kendrick of the Virginia Beach Police Dept. with Greater Hampton Roads Crime Lines Chairwoman Cathy Richards.)
SUFFOLK, Va. – The best of the best among local law enforcement were honored at the Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Lines annual “Top Cop Awards.”
The 17th annual event was held Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Suffolk.
After receiving nominations, a committee of Crime Line members chose one officer or deputy from each of the area’s police and sheriff’s departments to recognize as a “Top Cop.”
One officer was also selected from that group to be the “Top Cop” for all of Hampton Roads.
This year that honor went to MPO Eli Kendrick of the Virginia Beach Police Department. He received $500 as part of his award.
In addition to honoring officers from each city, several other awards were also handed out.
Adams Outdoor Advertising was named “Top Corporation” for donating space on their digital billboards to show wanted suspects.
The Police Association of Virginia received the “Top Organization” honor for providing ballistic vests to local law enforcement agencies and scholarships to the children of qualifying members.
The “Top Individual” Award went to Wayne Powers, a member of the Suffolk Crime Line, for donating his time and food from his BBQ restaurant to events throughout the year.
In all, 20 awards were given out.
The event is also the largest fundraiser of the year for the Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Lines.
Money is raised through sponsorships and a silent auction.
