Policeman Kenneth Lunger "Officer of the Year"

Policeman Kenneth L. Lunger Jr. of the Patrol Division, a leader in getting drunk drivers off our roadways, has been selected the Clayton Police Department's "Officer of the Year" for 2009.

Lunger has been credited with several dozen DWI arrests since joining the department two years ago after four years with the Selma Police Department.

""Officer Lunger is a skilled professional and has worked diligently to serve and protect citizens and visitors to Clayton," said Chief Glen Allen. "It is clear that his peers recognized that in nominating him for this honor."

Lunger, who has a degree in Criminal Justice from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, said he was "totally surprised" by the honor.

"It’s a great honor because of the high caliber of officer at the Clayton Police Department," he said. “I’m looking forward to the next year, and the opportunity to meet with organizations and represent the Police Department as officer of the year.”

He recently earned his "Intermediate Certificate" from the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission.