Working on the streets of West Columbia, it hasn't taken Pfc. Jeremiah Poehlman long to catch the eye of his supervisors in the Howard County Police Department.

The 27-year-old Carroll County resident, who became an officer in 2007, this month was honored by Dunkin' Donuts as one of the company's "Thanks to You" heroes for the year. He was the only police officer in the Baltimore-Washington region to win the award, which is given to officers help improve the quality of life in the community.

Poehlman, a 2005 graduate of Towson University, was nominated by his supervisors for starting a community policing program in the Columbia village of Harper's Choice that uses unmarked cars to crack down on crime.

In a recent interview, Poehlman said he focused on curbing drug use in Harper's Choice, as well as disorderly conduct and drunk driving.

Poehlman joined the Howard County Police Department's police academy in July 2006 and started as a police officer the following year.

"It's something different all the time," he said of his job. " It's fun and exciting, and it's a challenge to make it a safer place to live for everyone."

His ultimate goal is to join the police department's K-9 unit.

"I love dogs, I love working with them. They're an excellent tool," he said.

Poehlman was also nominated for the Dunkin' Donuts award for his driving enforcement efforts.

His supervisor, Lt. Thomas Ehart, noted in a statement that, "PFC Poehlman's strength is his aggressive traffic enforcement, which has resulted in a variety of proactive arrests that have made the streets of Howard County safer. PFC Poehlman possesses an attitude that is professional, friendly and refreshing."

Chief William McMahon also praised Poehlman's work. In a statement, McMahon said Poehlman "embraces the Howard County Police Department's core values of integrity, pride and community. He has hit the ground running since joining the agency and has quickly made a name for himself as a motivated, committed and well-respected officer."

Poehlman was honored for his work at a ceremony Dec. 1 at the Dunkin Donuts store at 9469 Baltimore National Pike, in Ellicott City. He got a gift card, a gift basket, a coffee mug and coffee, he said.

This is the first year that Dunkin' Donuts is honoring police officers. Previously, members of the military, fire fighters and teachers were honored, according to a statement from the company.

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user comments (1)

user belovedcartoonmouse says...

Thank you Dunkin Donuts for doing something that doesn't remind us of any stereotype what-so-ever.

Posted 9:13 PM, 12.22.09 | Permalink