Published: April 08, 2008 09:14 pm      

Manchin to speak at FOP banquet

Gov. Joe Manchin will serve as the guest speaker Friday during the Fraternal Order of Police Black Diamond Lodge 81’s Officer of the Year banquet at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.

“We’re very honored to have the governor as our guest speaker,” Beckley Police Sgt. Paul Blume, organizer of the event, said.

Officers from the following agencies will be honored with distinguished service awards: Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, Beckley Police Department, West Virginia State Police Troops 6 and 7, Division of Natural Resources, Ra-leigh County Juvenile Probation Department and West Virginia Division of Corrections’ Parole Services.

From those officers, one will be named the 2007 Officer of the Year.

“It’s an opportunity for the Fraternal Order of Police to recognize outstanding officers who normally go unnoticed,” he said. “We believe we have an excellent group who have contributed greatly within their departments this year.”

There is no charge for the event, which Blume said is made possible by donations from businesses and individuals. Anyone wishing to donate to the banquet can do so by contacting Blume at 256-1715. Also, Blume said, guests will have an opportunity to donate at the event itself.

Limited seating remains for the banquet, which will begin with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m., followed by Manchin’s speech and the presentation of awards.

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