Officers Jason Taylor and Stephen Charboneau were honored with Albert Lea Police Department service awards recently.

Taylor was honored with a certificate of commendation for meritorious service while serving as District II, Sub-District IV officer in charge from April to September 2009.

Taylor identified graffiti in his sub-district as not only a criminal concern, but detrimental to quality of life. Not wanting to be succumbed by the Broken Windows Theory, Taylor created a problem-solving initiative that led to the beautification of the city of Albert Lea’s historic downtown. He fostered a partnership within his sub-district with Youth for Christ’s The Rock, which created a combined volunteer workforce of staff and youth. His leadership and insight led to additional District II graffiti concerns being resolved. 

He also received a community service award for professional achievement while serving as patrolman. Utilizing training and experience drawn upon from active participation in the Albert Lea Police Department’s community policing Initiative, Taylor successfully initiated a community watch program in Emmons, where he resides. 

His involvement was documented in the April 2 Albert Lea Tribune article, Emmons residents set up community watch. Additionally, Taylor’s strong sense of community is evident in the annual success of Emmons Border Fest, in which he has been a long-serving member of the  leadership team.

Charboneau, the newest addition to the Albert Lea Police Department, received a Community Service Award for professional achievement while serving as District II, Sub-District III officer in charge during September 2009. Officer Charboneau teamed with additional District II personnel to resolve an established problem. Several structures were negatively ornamented with graffiti. Officer Charboneau pursued to alleviate both criminal and quality of life concerns within his area of operations.

The Albert Lea Police Department and the city of Albert Lea are very proud of the initiative and service to the community that these two officers have exhibited and their example to others.