South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Optimist Club honors Officer of the Year

The Mehlville Optimist Club recently celebrated Respect for Law by honoring St. Louis County Police Officer Greg VanMierlo as Officer of the Year.

VanMierlo was chosen for this honor by his superiors for his outstanding achievements and dedication to his community.

VanMierlo currently is assigned to the South County Precinct, where he has been given the responsibility of patrolling a permanent beat in the southern part of the precinct. He has developed a very positive relationship between various businesses and the Police Department, according to an Optimist Club news release.

VanMierlo had addressed the concerns of the business owners, developing strategic plans to thwart larcenies, disturbances and many other property and personal claims.

He also volunteers numerous hours to the St. Louis County Explorer Post, teaching young adults about police work.

From 2007 through the first quarter of 2008, VanMierlo responded to more than 2,000 radio calls for service.

He has made more than 100 felony and misdemeanor arrests and has resolved numerous crimes. Each incident required detailed police reports, proper handling and packaging of evidence, in-depth interviews and proper warrant applications, the release stated.

VanMierlo often volunteers to take on additional assignments and always represents the Police Department in a professional courteous manner, according to the news release.

He is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and often is called upon to deal with persons with a mental-health crisis.