MASON CITY – The Mason City Police Department held a ceremony Wednesday honoring one of their own.
Officer Rick Ott (pictured, with award) was selected as the 2011 recipient of the Tim Espeland Award.
The Espeland Award is named after Officer Tim Espeland, who served the Forest City and Mason City Police Departments for 16 years before his death in 2008 at age 46 from an acute and rare illness. The award recognizes an employee for continually seeking to improve themselves while displaying a strong work ethic, integrity and commitment to others above self. Despite Officer Espeland’s sudden terminal diagnosis, his courage, positive demeanor, professionalism and dedication to others remained strong until the end.
The other two officers nominated were Jason Trask (pictured, far left) and Jason Hugi (pictured, far right). Officers can be nominated by either their fellow officers or their command staff. An Awards Board selects one officer to receive the award.
He is a good officer.. Has been helpful in the past!!