KREM’s community reporter turned community activist, Perry Smith, also known as “Sticks,” was among 41 persons who were honored at an appreciation and award ceremony held by the Belize Police Department at the Princess Hotel in Belize City on Friday, May 17, 2013.

Smith, who received the award on behalf of the St. Martin De Porres Concerned Citizens Group, told our newspaper that awards were given to three civilian community groups, including his, as well as police officers who had been doing “exceptional work.”

On April 13, 2013, Smith’s group, which also includes Anthony Codd and Olga Gordon, held a day of healing and a candlelight vigil at the St. Martin De Porres Football Field. Their next event is slated for June 16, 2013.

A report from the Police Department said that at Friday’s appreciation and awards ceremony, the four precincts from the Eastern Division Headquarters and community members were awarded.

“The event is the second in the series and was hosted by Police Press Officer Raphael Martinez,” the report said.

Speakers for the occasion included the Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National of Security – Ret’d. Lt. Col George Lovell, Police Commissioner Allen Whylie, the Officer Commanding Eastern Division – Assistant Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, and his two deputies: Senior Superintendents of Police Dezerie Phillips and Marlon Allen.

“The evening of appreciation and awards is just a token of appreciation to the police officers, support staff and community members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their endeavor to make our communities safer,” the Police Department’s report said. “Another in the series is slated for next year,” the department announced.