Suffolk News Herald

Detective John M. Jones was selected Tuesday as the Suffolk Police Department’s &uot;Police Officer of the Year 2003.&uot; This honor follows his being chosen as the Police Officer of the Third Quarter.

Jones is a detective in the Investigative Services Section of the department, and has served with the Suffolk Police since February 1986. He has also served in the Uniform Patrol Section and he was a Field Evidence Technician and a Field Training Officer.

&uot;Pleased and gratified&uot; are the words that Jones used to describe his elation at having been named officer of the year.

&uot;I’ve been with the department for almost 19 years, and I do take a lot of pride in my work with law enforcement,&uot; said Jones. &uot;It excites me to be able to unravel a mystery and solve a case. Right now, I’m working on this cold case file, and I am confident that we will bring the suspect to justice. That’s what I enjoy – seeing those who would do harm to others brought to justice.&uot;

The detective was nominated by his supervisor, Sergeant Michael McKenzie, who noted that during the third quarter, Jones had the highest felony clearance rate of anyone in the department. McKenzie described Jones as an &uot;excellent employee&uot; who is &uot;thorough, complete and accurate&uot; in what he does.

Lt. Debbie George of the Criminal Investigation Division said Jones’ &uot;persistence and attention to detail&uot; were the qualities that distinguished the detective.

&uot;It doesn’t matter what type of case Jones is working, if there is a lead, no matter how small, he is going to follow it up,&uot; said George. &uot;It was his commitment and determination that recently prompted me to assign Jones to a cold case homicide. I have no doubt that case will be solved by the end of the year.&uot;

Capt. Todd Rittenhouse, commanding officer of the investigations section, also had high praise for Jones.

&uot;Det. Jones is a very motivated and confident investigator,&uot; said Rittenhouse. &uot;He is extremely resourceful, and dedicated. Det. Jones has worked hard to earn the title, Police Officer of the Year.&uot;

Jones retired Nov. 1, 2003 as a first sergeant after 20 years of service with the Virginia National Guard. He and his wife, Anna, have a 3-year-old son, Jim.

The detective is one of the Suffolk officers who will be honored at the Suffolk Police Department’s Awards Ceremony on April 26. He will also be among those honored April 19 at the Pilot Club of Suffolk’s Annual Civic Awards Night.