American Legion recognizes law enforcement officer of the year

Christie Gover is recognized by American Legion Post 229 as its law enforcement officer of the year at the Madison City Council meeting Aug. 10. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – Madison’s own American Legion Post 229 honored one member of Madison’s police force at the City Council meeting on Aug. 10 as the “Madison Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

Detective Cpl. Christie Gover, a 16-year veteran of the Madison Police Department, received the honor from American Legion Post 229 member Tom McKinney. The award was the first given out by American Legion Post 229.

“It’s unbelievable,” Gover said. “I’m very stunned, very shocked and very honored.”

Gover, a Pell City, Ala. native, began her career in law enforcement with the Madison Police Department 16 years ago, working her way up from patrol officer and now works as a detective corporal in the investigations unit. She specializes in abuse cases.

“She also works many tragic cases which we don’t often hear about,” McKinney said.

Outside from her normal duties, Gover teaches self-defense classes for women and senior citizens in connection with the senior police academy. She also serves as the representative from MPD in Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) programs.

“We were just looking for a solid officer, and we found one,” McKinney said.

In her brief speech at the City Council meeting, Gover said helping children is her primary motivation in performing her job.

‘The kids come first in the job that I do,” she said.

The American Legion is a national organization that accepts honorably discharged service members who served in wars ranging in date from World War II and the War on Terrorism. American Legion posts promote veterans’ affairs and wellbeing. American Legion Post 229 is commanded by Carlos Woods.