8-2-19 Optimist's Respect for Law Officer of the Year awarded to two CPD Officers

Sgt. Wiertel has been with the Chattanooga Police Department for 21 years and is currently the supervisor of the Special Victims Unit. He began his career in Neighborhood Policing where he became a Field Training Officer. He then joined the Crime Scene Unit as an investigator. After being promoted to Sergeant, he went back to patrol until he was selected to supervise the Special Victims Unit. Sgt. Wiertel is a veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps.

Officer Batterson has been with the Chattanooga Police Department for 6 years and is currently assigned to the Neighborhood Policing Division. He has had an active role in combating gun violence in the city with CPD Units and Federal Partners.

The Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award has its roots in a program started in 1965 when former FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover and International Optimist Club Past International President, Carl Bowen, created the Respect for Law community program. The program was adopted locally because of the club’s belief that it is important for our community to recognize the many positive attributes of local law enforcement personnel who serve and protect the citizens of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Currently, more than 1,500 Optimist Clubs participate each year in recognizing local law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Chief David Roddy with the Chattanooga Police Department said: "I am extremely grateful to Optimist Club of Chattanooga for recognizing the efforts of both of these officers. Sgt Wiertel and Officer Batterson have both contributed greatly to either our ability to support and defend those victimized in our community or to seek innovative ways to increase the safety and wellness of the Chattanooga Police Department. They are shining examples of what initiative and caring for others looks like in the CPD."

Harsh Desai, President of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club stated, “For over twenty years our Optimist Club has participated in the Optimist International Respect for Law Program. As a community, we are deeply indebted to those who choose a career of service in law enforcement. These men and women serve as the front line of protection for all of us, and we are proud to honor them.”

Gary D. Behler, Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk and Chairman of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club Respect for Law Program said, “It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as Chairman of the Respect for Law Program for the past eighteen years. The challenges faced by our men and women in law enforcement are clearly reflected on a daily basis in our media, both traditional and social. Every citizen of our community owes these public servants a tremendous debt of gratitude for the service they provide and for their willingness to place their lives on the line each and every day.”