PRIEST RIVER — City officials honored longtime Priest River Police Sgt. Chris Davis for his 20 years of service at Monday's council meeting.

In presenting the award, Police Chief Drew McLain noted Davis' dedication and service to both Priest River Police and to the community. In all respects, the police chief said the longtime officer did a great job and truly cared about those he serves. In those 20 years, Davis has served in a variety of roles, including most recently as the school resource officer at Priest River Lamanna High School.

"Thank you for showing up every day with a smile on your face and a kind heart," wrote a student in a letter shared by McLain at the meeting. "You do so much every day even if you don't realize it and that you are not aware of every day."

The student shared that, because of Davis, they always feel safe and in every situation. They wrote that they appreciate his time and presence and all he has done for the school's students and staff.

"Thank you for being the best school dad ever," the student wrote.

McLain applauded Davis, saying he does a great job, connecting with the students, staff and parents alike, earning their affection and trust.

"Little did Chris know that when he signed up to be a school resource officer that it would be the toughest job he ever loved," the police chief told the council.

Whether it would end up being an emotional day or a great day, Davis is there for the students, offering a smile, advising them or lending an ear to hear their concerns.

"He loves those kids so much and he does a great job with them, the parents and the school faculty," McLain said. "He's got everybody's trust. He's earned that, being here so long as well as just how he treats everyone."

The police chief said Davis sees both the best and worst of what happens to children, maintaining his professionalism and kindness to all whom he comes into contact with. The officer handles both with exemplary professionalism and dedication.

"Little did he know (when he signed on to be a school resource officer) that he was going to be a school counselor, an educator, sometimes a cop and sometimes a school dad," McLain told the council. "But he truly cares … He does a great job and I really appreciate everything he's done."

Like McLain, Priest River Council members thanked Davis for his service, saying they appreciate all that he does on a daily basis to make the community safe and to protect PRLHS students.

"We totally appreciate you," council president Candy Turner told Davis.

The tribute was not without its lighter moments with Mayor Jeff Connolly saying McLain needed to give Davis a hug and Councilor Billy Mullaley joking that, by accepting the award, it meant the officer had to stay for another 20 years.

Before joining Priest River Police, Davis also worked in Spirit Lake for several years as well as in Wilder, Idaho, as a reserve officer. He told the council he had thought about retiring after the end of the school year but ultimately decided to stay at least another year.

"I had lots of parents and lots of students that were begging me not to, to stay for one more year," Davis said. "It's been good. It's been hard but it's been good."

    Priest River Police Sgt. Chris Davis, left, and Priest River Police Chief Drew McLain, right, pose at Monday's council meeting where Davis was honored for 20 years of dedication and service to the community.
  

    A close-up view of the award presented to Priest River Police Sgt. Chris Davis who was honored for 20 years of service on Monday, July 6.