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During the Locust City Council’s Feb. 13 meeting, Police Chief Jeff Shew announced the recipient of the Steven R. “Smitty” Smith Officer of the Year award, with Cpl. Ryan Tran-Thompson earning the honor for the 2024 year.
The award plaque was presented to Tran-Thompson by Melissa Smith, wife of the late chief for whom the award is named.
In his remarks, Shew described Tran-Thompson as a “natural leader.”
“(Tran-Thompson) has the ‘it’ factor,” said Shew. “He works with a smooth, calm and relaxed manner, but knows when he needs to escalate. He is an excellent training officer, and has earned the respect of his fellow officers.”
Shew related that Tran-Thompson had left the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, in part because he was seeking a “better family-work balance” than he was able to find in the bigger city department.
“Family comes first,” Shew said. “It’s important to Locust, and we are blessed to work for a city that tries to make that possible for its employees.”
Some of Tran-Thompson’s achievements since joining Locust PD in 2022 include having earned both Intermediate and Advanced Law Enforcement certifications, having excelled in patrol duties and having served as both a taser instructor and a field training officer. He was a finalist for the Officer of the Year award in 2023, and was nominated by eight fellow officers for the 2024 award.
Prior to announcing Tran-Thompson as recipient of the award, Shew recognized the finalists for the 2024 honor, with Officer Eric Fore and Officer Adam Hartsell also earning high marks.
Fore, who came to Locust PD from the Norwood Police Department, was described by Shew as a “great officer,” noting Fore’s volunteer work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to collect and transport supplies to displaced families in western NC, for which he received a “Chief’s Award of Excellence.” In addition, Fore earned the department’s “Officer of the Month” recognition twice during 2024.
Shew described Hartsell as the department’s “overall statistical leader,” noting that he had submitted reports on 293 calls during 2024, and had made 17 DWI arrests in performing his traffic enforcement duties. In addition, Hartsell was also recognized twice during 2024 as “Officer of the Month.”
“I would strongly advise anyone who has been drinking not to drive through Locust, and especially not to do so when Officer Hartsell is on duty,” Shew said.
In other agenda matters, the council:
• Received updates from City Manager Cesar Correa on budget status and the status of an Accessible Parks Grant application submitted by the Locust Parks and Recreation Department.
• Heard a presentation given by Eagle Scout candidate John Owen Tucker on his service project, which consisted of installation of an orienteering course at Locust City Park.
• Scheduled a public hearing for March 13 to receive feedback on proposed zoning changes at Greater Life Church.
• Appointed Sharell Salzedo as an alternate to the city’s planning board.
Locust City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Joel Huneycutt Community Room in City Hall. The next scheduled meeting is set for March 13.

Toby Thorpe is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.