The Franklinton Police Department took center stage at Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, with recognitions for two officers and the department as a whole.

The department sends a nomination form around to all its officers annually so they can vote for the person who they think best represents the department and consistently operates at the highest level, Maj. Justin Brown said. This time around, Pfc. Brandon Manning was selected for the Officer of the Year honor.

“He’s not the kind of guy who likes to accept accolades and things like that,” Brown said. “He just wants to go to work and do his job, and he does it very well.”

Franklinton native Manning, a Franklinton High School and Louisiana Tech graduate, has been with the department for a little longer than a year.

“He’s definitely an asset to the department,” Brown said. “We’re glad he’s here, and we hope he sticks around for a long time to come.”

Manning will also be recognized at the July 4 parade in Bogalusa and at an upcoming meeting of the Franklinton Rotary Club, Brown said.

For the second year in a row, Brown said, the department has been named the top agency in the state for DWI enforcement by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. The department was up against all other agencies serving a municipality with a population of less than 10,000.

Additionally, Pfc. James Pugh was recognized as the top individual officer for DWI enforcement in the state of Louisiana for the second consecutive year, Brown said.

The aldermen, along with Mayor Wayne Fleming, expressed their appreciation to the officers and the department.

“I’d just like to congratulate Mr. Manning and Mr. Pugh on a job well done,” Alderman Richard Dillon said. “We’re all proud of the total police department and all the employees of the town that keep it running. We’d just like to let you know that we do appreciate you.”

In other news, Chief Donald Folse asked that advertisement for bids on two seized cars that are now department property be added to the agenda for the March 26 meeting.

A utility rate workshop was held at City Hall last Friday, and Alderman John L. Daniel asked town attorney Ellen Creel to draw up the necessary paperwork so the results of that study can be introduced at the next board meeting. A public hearing will be held after the introduction, he said. The motion passed unanimously.

Fleming said Acme Machine & Welding, the newest addition to the Franklinton Industrial Park, has asked to be added to the town’s gas system, which will involve running about 4,000 feet of line to the facility.

“That’s going to be a real good boost for us, because ACME’s working 24 hours a day,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have them come in here.”