Deputy DuWayne Morris, a nine-year veteran of the Alexandria Sheriffs Office, has received the Noon Day Optimist Clubs Law Enforcement Award for 2008.

Optimist vice president Fred Chatelain cited Deputy Morris service as an Army medic in Iraq in 2006 and 2007 before returning to the sheriffs office in January 2008. 

The Optimist Club long has respected Law Enforcement and this award represents the top quality of public servants we have in Alexandria, Chatelain said during the luncheon meeting at Belle Haven Country Club.

Captain Lucinda Buker, security commander of the Alexandria jail, lauded Morris as one of those rare people who not only serve their community as deputy sheriffs and police officers but serve their country as well.

She said Deputy Morris is a positive person who always sees the glass half full.  He is an asset to the Sheriffs Office.  He shows compassion towards those who most would think are undeserving.

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne was also praised for his community focus on youth work in Alexandria, both in his police department career and now as elected sheriff.

I will never forget my time in Iraq, is Morris said.  I saw the best that people can be and the worst, sometimes all in one day.

He said he felt sorrow and joy when he spent time with Iraqi children.  He saw the pain and suffering when a suicidal bomber set off a bomb near school children.  I was happy to provide not only medical treatment but was able to comfort the victims.

The Noon Day Optimist Club also honored Erica Gonzalez, a rising senior at Alexandrias T. C. Williams High School for her community service in 2008.

Sue Wilson, club president, cited Miss Gonzalez for her service to fellow students and throughout the city.  The Optimist Club supports efforts to give children opportunities.