In Memory of Dr. Charles L. Garrett
Policesoftball.com is happy to announce a new award that will be presented annually at the World Series during the opening ceremony. The award will be known as the OPOC/ Outstanding Police Officer of the Community award and it will recognize a law enforcement officer who has made a significant positive contribution to his/her community. This award is not geared toward softball but instead, the accomplishments made during the course of duty within the community.
Garrett Metal Detectors will be sponsoring the award as they have been long time supporters of law enforcement and themselves had made many positive contributions to both the profession and the community at large. In this current atmosphere, we are very pleased a major company wants to recognize and honor a police officer for the good work we do.
We are asking for nominations to be sent to policesoftball@policesoftball.com as soon as possible. All we need is a brief paragraph describing the officer’s community contribution(s). There are no set criteria as to what those contributions need to be, as long as they have a positive impact. We will then screen the nominations and forward to Garrett and they will review and ultimately make a selection.
Special note: The World Series Home Run Derby will now be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Charles L. Garrett. Dr. Garrett passed away earlier this year and the following is an excerpt from the Garrett family to the community when they announced his passing:
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Dr. Charles L. Garrett died on April 3, 2015. An inventor, entrepreneur, treasure hunter, patriot, author, husband, and father, Dr. Garrett and his wife Eleanor founded Garrett Metal Detectors in 1964. Through the couple’s vision and direction during the next 50 years, their original garage business grew to become the world’s largest manufacturer of metal detection equipment.
A U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, Dr. Garrett left an indelible mark on the metal detection industry. His early inventions pioneered the modern metal detector and his security detectors were the first to protect the Olympic Games in 1984. The ease of use of his hobby products helped invite many thousands of newcomers to try out the sport of treasure hunting.
We are grateful for the contributions Dr. Garrett made to our industry, and for the fine example he always put forth for others. The Garrett name will always be synonymous with high-quality metal detectors, including those used in security applications, law enforcement, military, sports, and outdoor recreational use. Although he will be dearly missed by many, his legacy will endure.
As sponsor of the PoliceSoftball.com Home Run Derby, Garrett will provide the winner with three days stay at the host hotel for next year’s World Series. This will be in addition to the Easton bat provided by Easton and PoliceSoftball.com. Garret will also be sponsoring our player reception at the Golden Nugget on Wednesday Night.