As has become a tradition for the last eight years, Dunedin Masonic Lodge No. 192 recognized a Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy for outstanding service to the community. The 2012 "Deputy of the Year" award was presented to Sgt. Dennis Komar at a special breakfast meeting of the Dunedin Council of Organizations at the Dunedin Golf Club.

Making the presentation was the Master of Dunedin Lodge Ken Giesow. Also in attendance was Sgt. Komar's supervisor, Capt. Glenn Luben of the North District Station and Capt. Bill Hagen along with fellow officers from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, "Sgt. Komar has been with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office since 1995, prior to that he served as a police officer with the city of Dunedin for two years. During his tenure with the Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Komar has served as a Deputy and a Corporal in both Patrol and as part of the agency's Field Training program, which is responsible for training all the agency's newly hired deputies. After 15 years with the agency, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.

"Sgt. Komar has an excellent attendance record...in his 17 years as a member of the agency, he has used only one week of sick time. He never fails to present a professional appearance and the image of a trustworthy and competent law enforcement officer to members of the public. He is open minded and remains eager to learn in order to continue developing his skills.

"During calendar year 2011, Sgt. Komar personally responded to over 900 calls for service and reviewed and approved more than 1,500 reports written by deputies assigned to his squad.

"Sgt. Komar always demonstrates sound judgement during day-to-day operations and during more complex situations. He has coordinated the response to many high-risk incidents involving emotionally disturbed or barricaded subjects who may have threatened others and/or themselves. He has also taken supervisory control of vehicle pursuits and numerous other in-progress situations, always choosing the most appropriate response. While engaged in these activities, he projects a calm and confident demeanor which has a positive and complimentary effect on co-workers and citizens alikie.

"Sgt. Komar was recently selected to be a sergeant in the agency's Field Training Unit. He has served the citizens of Dunedin and Pinellas County admirably and is an asset to the agency."

For his efforts, Dunedin Lodge awarded Sgt. Komar a plaque, and a gift of $100 which the Sergeant immediately donated to the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch which helps to prevent delinquency and develop strong, lawful, resilient, and productive citizens who will make a positive contribution to our communities for years to come.

Master of the Lodge Ken Giesow said "Dunedin Lodge is proud of our long tradition of supporting local law enforcement personnel. On behalf of the Lodge, we congratulate Sergeant Komar and thank him for his years of service and dedication. We are proud of the PCSO."

Dunedin Lodge is at 1297 Michigan Blvd, and online at www.dunedin192.org.