BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: From left is Past President and Public Service and Heroism Committee Chairman Mike Winstead, Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson, Lt. Don Pugh and Chapter President Joe Barker.
Lieutenant Don Pugh, with the Millbrook Police Department, was recognized Tuesday night by the Sons of the American Revolution, General John Archer Elmore Chapter of the Alabama Society. The presentation of a Law Enforcement Commendation Medal took placed during a meeting of the John Archer Elmore Chapter held at the Fantail Restaurant of Millbrook.
The criteria for the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal are as follows:
“The Law Enforcement Commendation Medal is presented to those who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The medal is intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement. Eligibility is not limited to peace officers but extends to the entire range of persons who make and enforce the law to include but not limited to peace officers, attorneys, judges, prosecutors and legislators who have performed an exceptional act or service beyond that normally expected. The medal may be presented posthumously.” – provided by Eric D. Alford, Corresponding Secretary, General John Archer Elmore Chapter, Alabama Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
Lt. Pugh was selected for recognition by the nomination of Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson, and his letter of recommendation is included in this article. Lt. Pugh’s long and dedicated law enforcement career and his heart for serving the community is the reason for this recognition.
Lt. Pugh goes above and beyond in ways such as Operation Blue Santa. This is what made him stand out in the decision to recognize his service.
Operation Blue Santa is an application process started by the Millbrook Police Department where families having difficult times can be assured of Christmas presents for their children.
Below is Chief Johnson’s letter regarding Pugh’s nomination.
“Mr. Winstead,
I appreciate your organization’s desire to honor one of our police officers for their service and dedication to our community. Please accept my recommendation of Lieutenant Don Pugh for your consideration. Lieutenant Pugh’s Bio follows:
Lieutenant Donald Pugh has been a law enforcement officer for 27 years. He began his career with the Millbrook Police Department in July of 1996, as a patrol officer. During his career Lieutenant Pugh has served as a patrol shift supervisor, rising through the ranks from police officer, corporal, sergeant, to lieutenant. During his tenure he has also served as the department’s Traffic Homicide Investigations supervisor. He currently serves as the department’s Sex Offender Compliance Officer. In that role he is responsible for ensuring that people that have been convicted of certain crimes that, per state law, require them to register as sex offenders with the state, county and city in which they reside, and that those individuals comply with certain restrictions and guidelines that are required by law.
In addition to his law enforcement duties, Lieutenant Pugh is the brainchild of the Millbrook Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa. As a result of his efforts and partnering with numerous businesses, civic groups, church organizations, as well as private citizens; the Millbrook Police Department has been able to provide Christmas gifts to hundreds of local children that may have not otherwise received a gift. This will be the fifth year that Operation Blue Santa has been in operation. As a result of Lieutenant Pugh’s effort and tireless dedication to give back to our community, hundreds of children have had a smile on their face at Christmas time. He started a program that hopefully continues to put smiles on young faces for many years to come. It is my pleasure to recommend Lieutenant Pugh for recognition for his outstanding service and dedication to our community.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chief P.K. Johnson
Millbrook Police Department”
The Sons of the American Revolution is an organization of men descended from the founding patriots of the United States of America. They are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and promoting education to our future generations. Locally, the SAR is represented by the General John Archer Elmore Chapter of the Alabama Society.
The Sons of the American Revolution, through the Public Service and Heroism Committee (PS&H), recognizes and honors citizens and individuals in local public service sectors of Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Emergency Medical Services for their contributions to the community and for heroic acts with a commendation and medal.
For more information about the John Archer Elmore follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GJAESAR
Or visit their Website at https://www.alssar.org/general-john-archer-elmore-chapter.html
