The Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club, hosting the annual Respect for Law program on Friday, gave the Respect for Law award to Capt. John H. Swope Jr. of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.
The award was presented by Sheriff Jim Hammond, Earl Burton, SCOC president, and Gary Behler, chairman of the SCOC Respect for Law program.
“We believe it is important for our community to celebrate and recognize the many positive aspects of our local law enforcement personnel as they seek to serve, protect, and maintain peace in our community,” said Mr. Burton. “Our hope is that this project will continue to help raise awareness of their vital role in our community.”
The Respect for Law program began in 1965 following a discussion between past Optimist International President Carl Bowen and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.