Optimist Club Of Westminster Recognize Police Officers

Officers from The Maryland State Police, Westminster City Police and Carroll County Sheriff Department were recognized for excellence. The 16th Annual 'Respect for Law' hosted by the Optimist Club of Westminster recognized Trooper Andrew Farrell, Corporal Scott Peter of the Westminster City Police (WCP) and Corporal David Stem of the Carroll County Sheriff Office (CCSO). Each honoree was nominated and introduced by their superior officers.

Trooper Farrell was #1 in number of on scene arrests had 20 arrests for DUI as well as 25 controlled dangerous substance arrests. His aggressive investigative techniques enabled him to excel in his criminal enforcement duties. Out of his 945 citations and 638 warnings he initiated 69 criminal investigations.

Trooper Farrell was nominated and introduced by 1st Sergeant James Dewees of the Westminster Barrack.

Corporal Scott Peter of the Westminster City Police has been characterized as the 'Go-to-Guy' during his introduction. Police Chief Spaulding’s’ remarks revealed that Corporal Peter is a team player always at the ready to assist other officers and the community at large. His 300 traffic stops resulted in 99 arrests. These routine traffic stops through Corporal Peter’s instincts often turned up a drugs and an arrest was made. One instance was particularly interesting. During a patrol in a known drug area, Corporal Peter’s mere presence resulted in a drug arrest. After a simple question to a pedestrian, said pedestrian just replied, 'Do you just want to take it?' The subject then handed over 6 plastic baggies of crack cocaine. Corporal Peter subsequently made an arrest.

Westminster City Councilman Bob Wack also presented a proclamation to Corporal Peter from Mayor Tom Ferguson’s office for his diligence and effort in making the city of Westminster a safer community.

The final honoree is Corporal David Stem of the Carroll County Sheriffs Office and was introduced by Captain Vince Maas. Corporal Stem had 1026 traffic stops resulting in 530 traffic citations 496 warnings, 10 DUI arrests, 23 criminal arrests, 13 CDSC arrest (leading the office) and earned the State of MD, Impaired driving coalition DUI award for the 2nd straight year. In addition, he garnered the Carroll County CRASH award for his performance in combating impaired and aggressive driving.

Additional programs of the Optimist Club include: Little League baseball, football and cheerleading, Just Say NO to drugs, fishing rodeo, high school oratorical contest, senior scholarship awards. The club motto is 'Friend of Youth' and its programs promote fellowship, role modeling and education for the youth of Westminster. Dinner meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at various restaurants. For information, on the Optimist Club of Westminster call Darlene Dorsey at 410- 876-7356.