Justin Vause is "Police Officer of the Year"

Officer Justin Vause, a member of the Police Department's Patrol Division and son of longtime Policeman Joe Vause, has been named "Clayton Police Officer of the Year."

The three-year veteran of the Force, who came to Clayton after a year with the Wilson Police Department, will represent Clayton Police in various law enforcement recognition and appreciation events over the next year.

"The dedication that Officer Vause has shown to the community and his work ethic has earned him the police department’s recognition for 2011," said Chief Glen Allen. "He has received numerous compliments from the public and six performance commendations from the department."

Vause, who earned the "Life Saving" award last year, is a department leader in DWI and drug law enforcement. He has also served Clayton and the surrounding area as an Emergency Medical Technician and Volunteer Firefighter.

He received his Basic Law Enforcement Training at Johnston Community College.