The National Rifle Association has announced¬Ý the selection of Captain Philip Hemphill of the Mississippi Highway Patrol as its 2007 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Captain Hemphill boasts an impressive record of dedication to firearm training and marksmanship as well as a legacy as a nine–time winner of the National Police Shooting Championships (NPSC).
His 16 years of conducting firearm training for his fellow officers have earned Captain Hemphill the reputation of being a patient and approachable mentor who is able to transfer his knowledge of life–saving firearm skills to the officers in Mississippi.
Captain Hemphill has long acted as an ambassador of the NRA to his fellow law enforcement officers.
Commenting on Captain Hemphill's qualifications, John C. Sigler, NRA President and a retired Delaware police captain, said, “In addition to Philip's accomplishments within the realm of police firearms training and competition, he has been a positive role model for younger officers. His service to the cause of freedom and his dedication to the preservation and defense of the rights of all law–abiding Americans to keep and bear arms sets an example for all to follow.
NRA's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award was established in 1993, and recognizes exceptional valor, public service, and dedication to the principles of our Constitutional heritage.
For more information about NRA's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award and its Law Enforcement Activities Division, call (703) 267–1632 or send an e–mail inquiry to lead@nrahq.org.
Michael Kelleher, Drew Armstrong, Michele Stevenson, Ryan Williams and Douglas Kelley received a Commendation Award from the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association, Inc. at its 48th Annual Conference held in October of last year. The Commendation Award was given for specific achievement and meritorious service while performing duties related to drug enforcement efforts in Nebraska.
In the fall of 2003, an informant contacted the Omaha Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and relayed information concerning possible drug dealing occurring in northeast Nebraska. The investigation involving state and federal agencies ultimately focused on a location operated by a person in question. The investigation was coordinated by FBI Special Agents Michael Kelleher, Drew Armstrong, Michele Stevenson and Ryan Williams and Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Douglas Kelley. S/A Kelleher, as the lead investigator, coordinated and conducted interviews, organized and analyzed data to fully identify the targets and their involvement in criminal activity. S/A Armstrong made undercover buys of methamphetamine, helped organize and summarize information and served as a case agent at one federal jury trial. S/A’Äôs Stevenson and Williams assisted in the gathering, organizing and analyzing of the large volume of data obtained during the lengthy investigation, and testified before a Federal Grand Jury to help secure federal Indictments.
While conducting surveillance, Kelley sustained life–threatening injuries in a vehicle collision, requiring hospitalization. The impeccable discretion of Kelley and other agents during months of intensive investigation was an essential element to the success of this case.