The Employee of the Quarter Award is awarded to an outstanding employee nominated by fellow employees and citizens. The award exemplifies the city's vision of public work through the ideals of leadership, service, integrity and commitment. The recipient is honored and presented with a certificate at a City Council meeting once a quarter.

Beloit Police Department Sergeant, Ryan Stocker has been selected as the Employee of the Quarter for the City of Beloit. This is the second time in his five-year career with the city that he as been chosen. Stocker came to the city of Beloit from Washington County in 1997 where he was a sergeant with the sheriff's department.

Since coming to the city department, Stocker has helped to institute the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. As the instructor he works with the kids to teach them the skills they need to avoid drugs. Stocker is one of the approximately 20 officers in Kansas that are certified to teach the program at all school levels. He is also one of a handful of officers that are certified as mentors for other officers.

His involvement with D.A.R.E. is completely supported by his fellow officers and the city officials. "I get huge support for the D.A.R.E. program, especially from the Chief," said Stocker. His fellow officers support him by being willing to cover his duties while he teaches.

Not only does the city support the D.A.R.E. program but so does the school district. Stocker said BES principal BES principal Derek Holmes and the fifth grade teachers have been excellent. The program is a chance for the veteran law enforcement officer to get away from the daily routine. "When I am teaching the kids, they are happy to see me. They look up to me and are very respectful," he said. "It's definitely a positive part of my job."

"The kids develop a relationship with me. It makes them feel more comfortable as they get older to approach me," he said.

Of his winning the award Stocker said he is honored. "I appreciate the acknowledgment" he said. "This is a job that is done everyday." Humble about winning the award, he said that working as a police sergeant is not a one man gig. It relies heavily on the officers that he works with and the community that supports them.

Article taken from the Beloit Call

2002

Marcia Davis - Spring
Fred Heins - Summer
Scott Davies - Fall
Cheryl Christians - Winter

2003

Matt Blad - Spring
Doug Gerber - Summer
All Employees - Fall
Jessica Rosebaugh - Winter

2004

Murray McGee - Spring
Ryan Stocker - Summer
Ron Sporleder - Fall
Allen Mong - Winter

2005

Steve Martin - Spring
Jerry Blass - Summer
Bob Holway - Fall
Marcia Davis - Winter

2006

Don Stroede - Spring
Steve Martin - Summer
Chris Jones - Fall
Brianne Heiman - Winter