SPEARFISH, SD – Animal Control Officer Scott Beal was recognized as the 2022 Spearfish Police Department Officer of the Year Monday.
“Scott brings an incredible amount of experience and knowledge, including best practices for the care of animals, state/city statutes and legal processes, and safety, to our department and is an ambassador every day as he completes his animal control and parking rounds,
” Police Chief Curt Jacobs said. “He has done a wonderful job creating relationships in the community and educating residents and visitors about parking enforcement and animal control.
”
Photo caption: Animal Control Officer Scott Beal, center, was recognized as the 2022 Spearfish Police Department Officer of the Year. He is pictured with Assistant Chief Boyd Dean, left, and Chief Curt Jacobs. Photo courtesy Spearfish Police Department
Chief Jacobs described how Animal Control Officer Beal takes time to stop and talk to residents about the importance of pet tags and keeping their pet on a leash when out and about in the community. He also takes time to hand out Scooby Doo stickers to children when with Scooby, the station dog and opened his home to take Scooby in when it was evident he needed a home base to thrive.
Photo caption: Animal Control Officer Beal is pictured with Scooby. Photo courtesy Spearfish Police Department
“Scott is a team player and boosts morale in the department,
” Chief Jacobs said. “He maintains a positive attitude and is always willing to lend a hand.
”
Animal Control Officer Beal joined the department in February 2021, after careers in the fields of safety management and law.
He thanked the department for the recognition, which he described as “unexpected.”
“I am honored to have been nominated by my peers and thank everyone for their support,
” Animal Control Officer Beal said.
The 2022 Officer of the Year commendation reads:
The Spearfish Police Department recognizes that Animal Control Officer Scott Beal, having been duly nominated, has exhibited to the public and the department an exceptional degree of professionalism for the Year 2022. ACO Beal has been instrumental in reshaping the relationship with the downtown businesses. His outreach efforts to the public and local business owners have established a personal level of interaction gaining him the respect and admiration of the citizenry and his co-workers. With the introduction of ‘Scooby’ as a canine partner, the two of them have established an ambassadorship on behalf of the department, and the public response has been astounding. He has maintained a consistent level of enforcement, community partnership, and professionalism that has cemented his presence in the community. His actions and professional performance are a credit to himself, the community he serves, and the Spearfish Police Department. Therefore, by order of the Chief of Police given this day, Animal Control Officer Scott Beal is hereby awarded the Spearfish Police Department Officer of the Year.
The commendation was presented during the city council meeting.
“Scott, you are a true asset to the community and the department,
” Chief Jacobs said.