A Bossier Parish sheriff's deputy has received a top law enforcement honor.

Lt. Bill Davis, the department's Public Information Officer, was recognized at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Awards Banquet in Alexandria, La. He was presented with the VFW National Law Enforcement Award and Department of Louisiana VFW Gold Medal for Law Enforcement 2015.

The six-year sheriff's office veteran was nominated by VFW Post 5951 in Bossier City, and went on to win at the district level, emerging over the winners in the 11 other VFW districts to take the statewide title.

The award cites Davis' "outstanding career in which he has maintained a record of highly-professional and exemplary service to the community and the nation. His extraordinary commitment clearly illustrates the proud core values and traditions of the law enforcement profession, further highlighted by the degree of admiration and respect of both his peers and the local public he serves."

Before joining the BSO, Davis served nearly 21 years in the U.S. Navy as a journalist and public affairs officer. In the community, he's a Sunday school teacher and deacon at his church, an instructor at North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy, and the parish representative for the Louisiana Sheriffs' Pension & Relief Fund.

"I count this award from the VFW as a huge honor," said Davis in a news release. "To be recognized by our nation's heroes who served our country and to be recognized with other first responders here in Louisiana is truly amazing. I thank VFW Post 5951 and Sheriff Whittington for their support, as well as my wife and my family for their encouragement. I was blessed that God allowed me to serve my country in the United States Navy; now I am humbled to continue that service in my community at the Bossier Sheriff's Office."

This is also a proud moment for Sheriff Julian Whittington.

"I want to congratulate Bill on receiving this prestigious award," Sheriff Whittington said. "We are truly grateful for his service not only to the community, but our nations, as well. He is truly a model of what our residents have come to expect from those in public service."

Two other Bossier first responders were also recognized at the state level. Chief Keith Waldron received the Emergency Medical Technician Award, and Chief Jimmy Phillips was given the Firefighter Award. They're both members of the Bossier City Fire Department.

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