Raleigh Police Officer Named The American Legion Law Officer of the Year

A crime prevention officer from the Raleigh, North Carolina Police Department received The American Legion's Law Officer of the Year Award today.Officer Scott Womack was lauded for not only for performing his day-to-day law enforcement duties in an exemplary manner, but for the close relationship he has established with the community he serves.Womack's community involvement extends back to his teenage years when, as an Eagle Scout, he served with the Nash County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post. After graduation from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a degree in history, Womack returned to Nash County as a Child Protective Services Investigative Social Worker. In that capacity, he earned certifications in child welfare, including the investigation of suspected child sexual abuse cases. He joined the Raleigh Police Department seven years ago.While his working hours were spent on patrol duties in the city's Northwest District, Officer Womack furthered his education during his spare time and was awarded an MBA degree from Pfeiffer University several years ago. In March, 2009, Womack was selected as the Northwest District's Crime Prevention Officer, a position he holds today. A compelling speaker, Officer Womack meets regularly with residential and civic organizations, often conducting presentations for homeowners associations and scouting groups. He also manages his district's Community Watch program. He has established an electronic database of trespassing reports to aid the police department in taking action against neighborhood intruders. Officer Womack has also created a network of retail loss prevention professionals to help guard businesses in his district.On a wider scope, Officer Womack is credited with circumventing a major industrial catastrophe in the Raleigh area. In 2009, a major ice manufacturer was victimized repeatedly by thieves who siphoned off hydrated ammonia from an external storage tank to utilize in the production of the psychostimulant drug commonly known as crystal meth. In the process, the criminals polluted the site with leaking ammonia. Officer Womack met with the ice company's officials and developed a multifaceted security system that has prevented further, potentially dangerous incidents.Officer Womack has received a great many thank you notes and letters from the community he serves and has been recognized for his exceptional service by the Raleigh Police Department. Last year, the Exchange Clubs of Raleigh named Womack its Police Officer of the Year. This year, it was The American Legion's Department of Georgia that nominated him for this current honor. Officer Womack received The American Legion Law Officer of the Year award from National Commander Jimmie L. Foster at the veterans service organization's 93rd national convention in Minneapolis, Minn. The Legion honors outstanding law enforcement officers annually, consistent with its founding commitment to "Law and Order."With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism,and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.-30-Media contacts: Joe March (Cellular) 317-748-1926; Marty Callaghan (Cellular) 202-215-8644 or Craig Roberts (Cellular) 202-406-0887.