Centre County names 2023 officer of the year

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (WTAJ) – Every year Centre County’s police force picks one special person to be the officer of the year for going beyond the line of duty.

On July 25 the force picked Luke Nelson, a detective for Spring Township, as 2023’s officer of the year. He is known throughout the force as a hard worker who always keeps a calm head, even in tense situations.

His supervisors say he goes above and beyond to establish relationships with victims to make their worst days a little easier. While Nelson appreciates the award, he said the work he does is all for the community he proudly serves.

“If we can do a little bit to make their lives easier on their darkest day, it means a lot to us to be able to do that,” Nelson said.

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He also said that he could not do what he does without the support of his fellow officers, calling them “pieces of a puzzle” that bring everything together.

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