Article by Jamie Fleury Editor, The Culver Citizen
CULVER — The Culver Lions Club honored Bob Porter as Citizen of the Year and the Culver Police Department (CPD) as Organization of the Year at their annual awards ceremony last Wednesday.
Culver Lion President Louise Neidlinger introduced Porter as a husband of 22 years, a father, and a grandfather. He has been employed with the Town of Culver for 26 years. He provides the Lions with assistance with the flagpole at the Train Depot and he hung the Marshall County Barn Quilt on the building.
Culver Town Manager Ginny Munroe detailed how Porter helped her find her way as a new member of the Culver Town Council in a Town Clean Up Day initiative. She discovered early on that Porter was a trusted member of the community with a vision to beautify the town from the ground up.
Porter advocated for a new sewer plant, water plant and water tower. He continued to bring issues that needed attention to the Council until goals were accomplished. “You even figured out how to fund them along the way. That’s never an easy thing to do as we all know.”
In addition to accomplishing millions of dollars worth of improvements for the Town of Culver, Porter was instrumental in resolving the flooding issue on School St. through the establishment of a Storm Water Fund. “You fixed some of those problems and you worked hard.”
He refused to accept less than the best from vendors serving Culver because he wanted what was best for the town.
“From the ground up you did beautify Culver. You fixed what was broken. The Town is so much better for your vision.”
Porter has maintained a solid and loyal team. He answers phone calls around the clock for issues ranging from squirrels in toilets to leaking washing machines. “People call you to tell you how to do your job. Some people even offer you a job. For some reason you’ve had this great sense of humor through all of it.”
Porter has been a consistent presence in the Town of Culver through changing elected officials and town managers.
Munroe noted that Porter has pride in his work, pride in his team’s work and in return the town is proud of him. “We the town cannot thank you enough for being who you are and for all you’ve done for Culver.”
She said of Porter, “You treat everyone in this community and everyone you work with like we are your family. It’s like working with your brother. And when you’ve got somebody like that….who’s got your back…who’s checking on you…who stops in at your worst moment to see how you’re doing…that’s everything.” She added, “You are Citizen of the Year to all of us.”
President Neidlinger recognized members of the CPD and asked Munroe to speak regarding their honor. Officer Alex Zerbee, Officer Nick Fobert, and Chief Wayne Bean were present. Assistant Chief Chad Becker and Officer Devin Watkins were on duty.
Munroe informed those present that there has been a 45% increase in law enforcement officers leaving their line of work across the United States. Of that number she said that over 20% have retired. Despite the large decline, the Town of Culver has hired three new officers, Zerbee, Robert and Watkins.
She refuted the misconception that being a police officer in rural Indiana was an easy job. “We are really proud of the fact that they came and they stayed.”
Prior to the hire of those three men, Chief Bean and Assistant Chief Becker were working tremendous amounts of overtime; both pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. “Hours of overtime that would astonish all of us.”
She emphasized their work ethic and the challenges they overcame getting Officer Zerbee through the Police Academy due to pandemic delays and shut downs. Unlike other professions who had the option of working from home, Munroe illustrated that law enforcement and first responders don’t have that option. They continue to work around the clock.
Munroe recognized Assistant Chief Becker’s service and dedication of over two decades. “He is beloved. He is really good with kids. He is really good with people.”
Law Enforcement see people at their worst and most vulnerable moments of humanity. “The job of a Police Officer is to see people when they are not at their best. For some reason these guys come back and do that every day. I don’t know how they do that.”
In addition to combatting one of Marshall County’s biggest challenges which is drug addiction, law enforcement officers have also served through murder and suicides, while at the same time supporting the families through their loss with strong leadership, respect, and dignity.
Chief Bean has served for 39 years and 4 months. Assistant Chief Becker has served for 24 years in January. Officer Zerbee has served for two years and Officer Fobert for one. Officer Watkins was not present and is the newest member of CPD.
President Neidlinger said, “Gentlemen, it is my honor to present the Culver Police Department with the 2022 Community Service Award as Organization of the Year.”
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