Officer who was given 'Angel of the Year' award is an everyday hero

Sgt. Jeff Turney who continues to go above the call of duty to protect and serve was named an "Angel of the Year" at Angels on Patrol's third annual Halos & Holsters Dinner and Auction in Scottsdale.

As reported by AZ Central, on November 19, 2016, the award was presented to Turney at FireSky Resort & Spa. He was recognized for his dedication to his community and his work with the group in assisting families in crisis.

Turney was also acknowledged for spreading the word to other officers at the Glendale Police Department regarding the resources available to them from Angels on Patrol.

"I am honored to have been chosen as Glendale's 'Angel of the Year,' but the true angels are the individuals who are a part of this organization," said Turney. "They have assisted me and many other officers on numerous occasions. Officers cannot do this job alone."

Turney continued that when they all work together and they have the support of the communities and businesses, there isn't anything they couldn't achieve.

"That is community policing at its best. Thank you, Angels, on Patrol for being there when we call!" he added.

The other officers who also received an award were Officer Gelene Santa Maria, Phoenix Police Department; Sgt. Michael Hayes, Tempe Police Department; Sgt. Charles "Chuck" Lines, Mesa Police Department; and Shelly Ward of the Mesa Family Advocacy Center.

According to The Glendale Star, Turney spent 21 years in the Air Force before being invited to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

He then worked with the CIA before retiring and joining the Glendale Police Department.

Turney, who met his wife while assigned in Arizona, still continues to protect and serve people.

“I have had a good life,” Turney said. “I can’t complain and I have a great family. One of the things we try to do is we find people who need assistance and we try to help them, and sometimes, it comes out of your own pocket.”

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