Mentor Police Department Names Officer & Civilian of the Year

Mentor City Council began its regular meeting Tuesday by honoring two people members believe did their jobs the best over the past year.

In a joint celebration, city council helped the Mentor Police Department present the Officer of the Year award to Lt. Tom Powers, and the Civilian of the Year to communication technician Linda Hulderman.

Lt. Powers has been with Mentor Police since 1979. Last year, he began a supervisor role with the city's detective bureau.

"He is known to be a professional and contentious officer, representing the department in a positive way," Chief Kevin Knight said.

Powers has been part of the Mentor Police Athletic Association for years, and is known to service the Cops and Kids program and an annual children's golf outing that raises money for underprivileged families.

"There are many letters from grateful parents and children regarding this event," Knight said. "This program creates a positive environment within the police department, its members and the community.

"Lt. Powers is perceived as treating everyone with respect and being willing to listen to new ideas to improve the police department and its ability to provide the best service to our residents." 

Hulderman also began with the police department in 1979. She left seven years later to raise her children, but returned as a part-timer in 2007. She was offered a full-time position in 2010.

"Linda has proved herself to be a reliable, highly competent and compassionate dispatcher," Knight said. "Linda has a very professional voice and does not get rattled easily. She goes out of her way to give out helpful and necessary information."

This is her second consecutive year winning the award.