Sound judgment, devotion to community, and teamwork are some of the attributes needed to be a great police officer and Homestead Police Department’s Claybourne Jones has them. At the October Special Council presentation, Councilman Larry Roth awarded Mr. Jones as Officer of the Month for his excellent police work during the midnight shift.

“I am proud to bring back this award and to be able to present it to an officer who did an incredible job in apprehending a person who was causing havoc in the community,” remarked Councilman Roth. “Because of men and women like you, Homestead is a safer place to live.”

Officer Jones was working the late shift when he spotted a vehicle that matched the description of recent business burglaries in the area. He stopped the individual and upon further investigation retrieved firearms, jewelry, drugs, and large amounts of cash on his person. This led to the arrest of the individual who was also linked to storage unit robberies in the area. In one single stop, he solved twelve open burglary cases as well as took a firearm off the street from a convicted felon.

Officer Jones stepped up to the dais to receive his plaque and thanked the Mayor and Council for awarding him with this prestigious award. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and how it could not have been possible without the support of his fellow officers. Officer Claybourne Jones was joined by his family and received a standing ovation from everyone in the room. Due to his efforts, he earned a well-deserved Officer of the Month plaque.