WATCH: John Hemric Honored for Police Work

Patrolman John R. Hemric was in the spotlight at Monday night's North Canton City Council meeting for receiving county-wide honors for his police work.

Police Chief Stephan Wilder had nominated Hemric, a 12-year veteran, for the Community Law Enforcement Officer of the Year through the Stark County Police Chiefs Association, and for the Safe Communities' Traffic Officer of the Year.

Wilder said Hemric was a runner-up for both.

Safe Communities, funded by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Traffic Safety Office, is run by the Stark County Sheriff's Office. It's designed to create awareness and prevent injuries caused by traffic crashes.

A member of the force since July 1999, Hemric is dedicated, reliable and has a keen sense of humor, Wilder said. He's patient, calm and has enthusiasm for his job.

Hemric also is a member of Special Response Team and a field training officer for .

"He is no-nonsense," Wilder said. "He is direct and firm, but yet full of understand that there are times when we must do things right as well as do the right things for others."

City Administrator Michael Grimes, who served as police chief before Wilder, also commended Hemric, saying he's always consistent in his police work.

"It doesn't matter what the weather is, what happened to him before he came to work, he's the same officer," Grimes said.

Watch the accompanying video to hear Wilder talk about real examples of Hemric's excellence on the force.