Published: May 12, 2009 10:46 pm      

Steward named ‘Officer of the Year’

Sgt. Morris Steward of the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department was named Officer of the Year Tuesday by the 100 Club of Corsicana and Navarro County.

Steward, who’s been with the department since 1989, worked his way through the ranks from the position of jailer to his current position as an investigator and member of the department’s S.W.A.T. team. He serves as assistant commander of that division, and is credited with heading up the investigative team that worked the Hanna Mack murder in 2007.

“You don’t do this for the awards or accolades,” Steward said in accepting the honor. “I just try to work hard to make the sheriff’s office look good, and to help the district attorney” in prosecuting criminals brought to justice.

Capt. Elmer Tanner of the NCSO presented the award to Steward, telling the story of their lifelong friendship, dating back to attending school together in Dawson.

“I can’t think of a more special friend to have,” Tanner said of his fellow officer. “He’s has never shirked responsibility or duty, never disrespected anyone ... he has 100 percent loyalty to his department.”

Tanner read a letter from Les Cotten, Navarro County sheriff, praising Steward’s abilities and career with the department.

“Sgt. Steward continues performing his duties, serving the citizens of Navarro County without fanfare, with honor in the highest professional manner,” Cotten wrote. “I seek this distinction and public recognition for him, as he would never solicit such for himself.”

Also honored by the 100 Club Tuesday was Shirley Armon, whose late husband Dennis was a member and longtime supporter of the organization. A $100 donation was made by the club to CASA, another organization that Armon gave his time and talents to.

The 100 Club also gave special recognition to Shirley Morgan, secretary to Corsicana Police Chief Randy Bratton, for her assistance and support of the club’s work.

An election of board members found David Coley and Ned Polk reappointed to the board, and Patsy Wheelock nominated to fill the unexpired term of Dennis Armon.

The 100 Club supports law enforcement through its annual awards, as well as grants, educational assistance and death benefits.

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