Dep. Dan Hedrick, second from left, was honored by Clarkston Optimists and Independence Township officials, including, from left, Andrea Schroeder, Kathy Middleton, Lt. Larry Perry, Barbara Pallotta, Joette Kunse, and Pat Kittle. Photo by Phil Custodio

BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Deputy Dan Hedrick was honored with the 2017 Clarkston Optimist Law Enforcement Recognition Award.
“I’m definitely not the only deputy who does hard work. You have a very good police department,” said Hedrick, 28, at the Optimists’ Sept. 13 breakfast meeting. “The support we get from the community is unprecedented. It makes us feel appreciated as police officers.”
This is the second year the club has honored a local police officer, said Optimist Joette Kunse.
“We’re really proud and so appreciative of what they do,” Kunse said.
The Independence Township substation’s 31 deputies handled 16,000 calls for service last year, and is on pace for more this year, said Lt. Larry Perry.
“I appreciate your support,” Perry said. “This is a tremendous community. We’re very blessed and honored to be part of it.”
Hedrick joined the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year after four years with the Hamtramck Police Department.
He went to the police academy after graduating from Oakland Community College to help people and serve the community.
“Get the bad guys off the street,” he said.
As a field training officer, one of his responsibilities is helping get new officers up to speed.
“It’s one of my passions for the job,” he said. “I want to thank the command staff for the nomination.”