Manila officer named State Officer of the Year

Sgt. Delbert Carter with the Manila Police Department was named Narcotics Officer of the Year by the Arkansas Narcotic Officer Association (ANOA) on May 26 in Hot Springs at the annual banquet. He was again recognized by Manila Mayor and the City Council at the June meeting.

Manila Officer, Sgt. Delbert Carter, named State Officer of the Year. Pictured from left are: Lt. Rob Rounsavall and Sgt. Bobby Ephlin, with the Second Judicial Drug Task Force; Sgt. Delbert Carter, Manila Police Department; and Manila Chief of Police Jackie Hill. (courtesy photo/ Donna Hilton, Blytheville Courier)

Sgt. Carter received honors last year as Drug officer of the Year by the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force which includes Mississippi, Craighead, Crittenden, Greene and Clay counties.

The 28 year veteran officer started his career in law enforcement in Manila in 1984. He went to Mississippi County Sheriff's Department in 1988 and returned to Manila in 2004.

He said he was surprised and honored to receive the award. The Arkansas Officer of the Year was chosen from nominees submitted by fellow officers and was recognized at the conference.

Sgt. Carter is credited with 14 drug related cases resulting in 22 arrests for 36 felony charges for the year.

"Drug related cases have seemed to slow down in Manila," Sgt. Carter said. "There for a while, we would have several hits a day."

Sgt. Carter praised his co-officers on the Manila Police Department.

"Everyone works well together," he said. "Keeping drugs off the streets of Manila is a personal thing for me."

Carter said being observant is the key.

Chief Hill praised Sgt. Carter for being an outstanding officer.

"Sgt. Carter deserved the award," Chief Hill said. "We hope to see progress in the future in keeping drugs out of our town and out of the hands of our young people."

Hill praised the efforts of the ladies who are working toward getting a recovery home for women in the area.

"Hopefully the Butterfly House will give women the opportunity to get a new start," he said. "Also, it will be a good resource for the county and a tool for the drug court once it is underway."

"I've got a great group to work with," Chief Hill said. "They do a good job."

Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner also expressed his congratulations to Sgt. Carter on receiving the state award.

"It goes to show we have good officers working for the city," Mayor Wagner said. "They are dedicated to getting the drugs out of Manila. We have told the officers to work it 24/7 and they do. We want to send a message -- we will not have it in Manila. I, along with the city council and our police officers are committed to doing our best to keep the drugs out of Manila."