Georgia Southern University Police Investigator named GACP Officer of the Year
Georgia Southern University Investigator and Marine Corps veteran Samuel Derr has been named as Officer of the Year by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP).
Derr joined the University in 2017 as a police officer. He’s since become an investigator assigned to Georgia Southern’s criminal investigation unit, where he works to keep Georgia Southern’s campuses and students safe.
“Investigator Derr strives to excel in everything that he undertakes and is the epitome of a humble professional,” said Georgia Southern Police Chief Trey Drawdy. “He truly embraces our motto, which is ‘To Serve, To Protect and to Educate’.”
The GACP receives nominations for the award from more than 650 law enforcement agencies every year. Derr was nominated by others in the Georgia Southern community because of the tenacity and integrity he brought to cases, often leading to quick resolution. He is the first officer from the Georgia Southern University Police Department to be recognized as Officer of the Year by the GACP.
“He is incredibly inquisitive, approaching each investigation judgment-free,” said Georgia Southern Police Captain Joshua Barker. “He cares about the community and the work he does in this field. He brings that same effort when caring for victims as well. He is a tremendous asset to the team.”
When presented with the award, Derr was quick to credit his fellow officers as the key to his success.
“It’s an honor to accept this award, but every officer I work with deserves this,” said Investigator Derr. “I couldn’t do what I do without them.”
“I enjoy serving the Georgia Southern community because we have a special mission,” he said. “It’s to protect our students and our campus. To be able to carry out that mission, that’s what’s important to me.”
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