Special to the Enquirer
Hartselle Police Officers Robert Baker (center) and Sean Persall (right) receive commendations from Hartselle Police Chief Ron Puckett (left) during a recent city council meeting. The officers were commended for their handling of a domestic disturbance call that could have gone badly without the way the officers took care of and calmed the situation. | Special to the Enquirer

HPD commends three of its officers

Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Three Hartselle police officers received certificates of commendation in recognition of their performances in the line of duty at a regular city council meeting Jan. 10.

The awards were presented to officers Robert Baker, Sean Persall and SRO Daniel Parker by Police Chief Ron Puckett.

They also received applause and a standing ovation from city officials and employees, fellow officers and family members.

Baker and Persall were singled out for their response to a life-threatening domestic incident on Dec. 9, 2015, Puckett reported.

The call for help came from a daughter who reported that her mother was trying to kill her father. After being denied entrance to the house initially, they found a woman inside holding a man hostage with a knife. Utilizing their police skills, they were able to communicate with the woman and diffuse the situation. The woman was transported to a  local hospital for mental observation.

Parker’s exemplary performance as school resource officer at Hartselle Junior High School was brought to Puckett’s attention through letters from student and faculty members.

In two letters Puckett read, Parker was described as a kind, selfless man who has gained the trust of both students and faculty, and is viewed by many as a second school counselor.

The council acted on two agenda items as follows:

•By resolution, rescinded its action of Nov. 22, 2016, so that the classification of the court clerk/magistrate and public works supervisor will remain as exempt under the personnel policy. Also, the right of the council to review or modify such actions, the human resources administrator, with approval of the Personnel Board, will have the authority to make such changes as may be necessary to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.

•Approved an up-dated contract with River Tree Systems for auditing of all city taxes and licenses as a rate of $65 per hour. City Clerk—Controller Rita Lee reported that the city collected $40,000 in uncollected taxes and licenses from audits conducted by River Tree Systems during the current three-year contract period, less $8,000 in costs.