Lynn Harvel has been selected as the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office’s Reserve Deputy of the Year.  

MCSO public information officer Mike Swafford said the sheriff’s office has seen many changes throughout the past several years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying challenges, but “one thing that has remained constant is the outstanding dedication of the men and women who make up the Reserve Deputy Program.” 

“In these uncertain times, when many are vilifying law enforcement, the Reserves continue to serve out of a desire to be a positive influence in our community,” Swafford explained. 

Choosing a recipient for the Reserve of the Year Award was difficult, Swafford said, as the award “exemplifies what it means to be a Reserve.” The decision entailed reviewing activities over the past year.  

“The Sheriff’s Office has been fortunate to have had support from a large number of Reserves,” he said. “Each of these members have contributed greatly to the unit by giving up their time. They have provided support for community details and events and helped supplement patrol and fill positions inside the courthouse and jail. 

When the MCSO looked at all of the members, however, Swafford said one person in particular stood out.  

“This individual has contributed a vast amount of time in the past year in an unpaid, volunteer capacity,” Swafford said. “These hours have included community details, training and patrol ride-alongs. He has been known to work an entire shift in his full-time capacity as a courts deputy and then go straight to a community event as a Reserve Deputy. 

“He is always available, even last minute, and never has a harsh word or complaint for anything that is asked of him,” Swafford added. “Anyone that knows him can learn from his positive attitude. He truly wants to help each and every person he comes into contact with and is a prime example of a law enforcement officer with a servant’s heart.”  

Lynn is the pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Hartselle and is married to Sheila.